Benefits of common decongestant found in many medications outweigh risks: HSA

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said the benefits of pseudoephedrine, a decongestant found in 31 medications here, outweigh the risks it poses, in response to reports overseas of adverse effects.

- Salma Khalik

The regulatory body told The Straits Times on Jan 15 that it has not received any local report of severe adverse effects associated with medicines containing pseudoephedrine, "which have a widespread and long history of use".

Such medications include Clarityn-D, Telfast-D and Sudafed.

Pseudoephedrine is commonly used to clear a blocked nose. It constricts blood vessels in the nose and sinuses, shrinking swelling and draining fluids to allow for easier breathing. But the drug also tightens blood vessels throughout the body, and can raise blood pressure.

The HSA spokesperson said: "If consumers have symptoms such as severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, seizures and altered mental status after taking pseudoephedrine-containing medicines, they are advised to stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention."

HSA had published a safety alert in April 2024 on the rare risk of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (Pres) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), which have been reported overseas as being associated with pseudoephedrine. These two conditions are rare but potentially fatal.