Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) oral decongestant frequently used for the treatment of nasal congestion due to nasal allergies, sinus infections and the common cold. Nasal congestion is often one of the most bothersome (and difficult to treat) symptoms of nasal allergies, resulting in mouth breathing and difficulty sleeping. Lack of sleep has been shown to cause a variety of problems, including daytime fatigue and an overall decrease in a person's quality of life. Therefore, a recent study sought to determine if the use of Sudafed for the treatment of nasal allergies might improve a person's nasal congestion, sleep habits, and improve overall quality of life.
The results were quite surprising: While Sudafed did improve nasal congestion, there was no effect (either positively or negatively) on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness or on the ability to fall asleep (no apparent insomnia). However, there was one disturbing finding -- the use of Sudafed on a daily basis for a 2-week period of time was associated with a decrease in "intimate relationships and sexual intimacy". The authors of the study don't give a possible explanation for this finding, and larger studies would need to be done to confirm these results.
Other than the occasional short-tem use of Sudafed products for the treatment of nasal congestion associated with the common cold or a sinus infection, I don't recommend that my patients take this medication. There are far better ways to treat nasal congestion associated with nasal allergies, with far fewer side effects. Now I have one more reason not to recommend Sudafed to my patients.
Read more:
- Symptom-Based Approach to the Treatment of Allergies
- Other Causes of Nasal Congestion
- Best Treatments for Nasal Allergies
Walking in the preensce of giants here. Cool thinking all around!