Sudafed®
SUDAFED® is the most popular selling decongestant brand on the market.*
For over 30 years, we've been pioneering clinically proven, over-the-counter treatments for congestion and associated symptoms, enabling people to treat a whole spectrum of congestion symptoms without needing a prescription, from a simple blocked nose to sinus pressure and pain.
*Source ©2021 Nielsen IQ data, Value, Units, Decongestion category (client defined) 52 w/e 25.11.23 (GB Total Coverage).
Sudafed active ingredients
All of our SUDAFED® medicines contain some form of nasal decongestant for easier breathing through your nose. All of our SUDAFED® active ingredients are effective, the three decongestants we use across our range are: Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine or Xylometazoline.
These active ingredients are designed to tackle nasal congestion. They get to work on swollen nasal passages, helping to shrink the puffed up blood vessels that cause that stuffy feeling. As the blood vessels start to narrow and return to their original state, the surrounding tissue shrinks and the normal flow of air and mucus can be resumed.
Our range of key active ingredients in SUDAFED® products, with each one providing effective symptom relief:
Xylometazoline
A topical decongestant, used to help clear blocked nose and sinuses caused by having a cold or flu. It works by contracting swollen blood vessels, reducing the feeling of stuffiness and congestion. It gets to work in minutes and lasts up to 10 hours.
Pseudoephedrine
An effective decongestant available in tablet and liquid formulation which narrows blood vessels via direct and indirect sympathomimetic signals to reduce swelling and congestion, helping to ease blocked noses.
Phenylephrine
A decongestant which can help clear up stuffy noses by decreasing swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe through your nose. Gets to work in 15 minutes.
Other Ingredients
The ingredients that complement our actives:
Guaifenesin
This ingredient helps loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up.
Ibuprofen
An anti-inflammatory and painkiller that helps relieve headaches and reduce any inflammation which could be contributing towards pain.
Paracetamol
A pain reliever which can be used to relieve mild to moderate pain, headaches and fevers which often accompany the common cold.
Caffeine
A stimulant, meaning it can help you feel more alert, as well as combatting the tiredness associated with colds.
Sudafed® Resources
Cough & Cold
SUDAFED® Range Guide
Cough & Cold
SUDAFED® Decision Tree
Sudafed® prescribing information
Sudafed- Sudafed All Products Product Information.pdf
Date of preparation: December 2023
UK-ACA-2300477