Sudafed (containing pseudoephedrine) can generally be taken every 4 to 6 hours, with adults typically taking 1 or 2 tablets per dose depending on the product form. The max daily dose for adults is usually 240 mg or 8 tablets, and for children, the dosage varies by age. Extended-release Sudafed capsules are taken less frequently (once every 12 or 24 hours depending on the formulation). It is recommended to use Sudafed for no longer than 7 days without consulting a healthcare professional. If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, or if there are severe symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, medical advice should be sought. Additionally, Sudafed should be taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration to avoid side effects like raised blood pressure and heart rate.