Singapore – Medications containing the nasal decongestant pseudoephedrine do not need to be thrown away unless the patient has a serious medical condition that increases the risk of serious side effects, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or kidney failure, medical experts say. expert.
However, they stressed the importance of strictly adhering to the prescribed dosage and seeking immediate medical attention if any unusual symptoms appear, such as nausea or visual disturbances.
Some readers of The Straits Times have noted that pharmaceutical giant GSK has decided to discontinue production of Zyrtec-D, a popular antihistamine and decongestant containing pseudoephedrine, which has been reported to have rare but severe side effects. I have expressed concern after reading reports that the decision was made.
pseudoephedrine teeth It is included in about 30 medicines registered in Singapore. Other products containing pseudoephedrine include Clarityn-D, Telfast-D, and Sudafed.
This drug is thought to be associated with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS).
Although the risk of the drug causing problems is small and most cases reversible, these two conditions can be serious.
PRES can cause vision problems, seizures, headaches, and affect thinking. It is treatable if diagnosed early.
RCVS is caused by blood vessels that suddenly spasm and constrict, causing symptoms similar to a stroke. Almost one in three people with RCVS may suffer from some type of long-term disability, such as muscle weakness.
Dr John Chen, chief medical officer of Healthway Medical Group, Singapore’s largest general practice clinic chain, said it was important to note that such severe reactions were “extremely rare”. .
He explained that they are “associated with multiple factors, including pre-existing conditions, overdosage, and concomitant use with other drugs that affect the central nervous system or blood pressure.”
“The potential risks highlight the need for caution, especially in patients with risk factors such as high blood pressure, migraines, or a history of stroke.”
Dr. Cheng added that it is important that patients strictly follow dosing instructions. You should also consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take any medication.
If you suffer from unusual symptoms such as severe headaches, visual disturbances or confusion while taking these drugs, you should seek immediate medical attention, he said. Said.
In a safety alert issued in April 2024, the Singapore Health Sciences Authority is working with pharmaceutical companies to ensure that PRES and It said it would strengthen warnings about RCVS and their related symptoms. .
The healthcare regulator states that healthcare professionals “may also consider counseling patients about symptoms that require immediate medical attention to facilitate rapid detection of PRES and RCVS symptoms and necessary medical intervention.” Yes,” he added.
“These include sudden severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, seizures, and changes in mental status,” the report said.
on the websiteThe UK’s National Health System (NHS) advises people with heart problems not to take pseudoephedrine.
It says this: “Pseudoephedrine has the effect of narrowing blood vessels in the nose, but it also narrows blood vessels in other parts of the body. This can increase blood pressure and heart rate.”
The NHS advises that people who should use this drug with caution include people with glaucoma, enlarged prostates, and liver or kidney problems.
It also says the drug should not be taken for more than seven days, as long-term use increases the risk of side effects.
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