You can take Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) every 4 to 6 hours, but you should not exceed the maximum daily dose. For adults and children 12 years and older, the typical dose is 60 mg every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 240 mg in 24 hours
. Specific Sudafed products may have slightly different dosing instructions, for example:
- Sudafed Sinus Congestion: 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours, not more than 8 tablets in 24 hours
- Sudafed PE: 1 tablet every 4 hours, not more than 6 tablets in 24 hours
- Sudafed 12 Hour: 1 tablet every 12 hours, not more than 2 tablets in 24 hours
For children, dosing varies by age and product, and Sudafed is generally not recommended for children under 6 years old without doctor advice
. You should only use pseudoephedrine for short-term relief, usually up to 5 to 7 days. Taking it longer increases the risk of side effects, so consult a doctor if symptoms persist beyond a week
. In summary:
- Adults: 60 mg every 4-6 hours, max 240 mg/day.
- Children 6-12 years: 30 mg every 4-6 hours, max 120 mg/day.
- Do not use longer than 5-7 days without medical advice.
- Follow specific product instructions for exact dosing.
Always read and follow the instructions on the Sudafed package or consult a pharmacist or doctor for personalized advice.
