Generic name: Chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Actifed Cold & Allergy?
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
Chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.
Chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine.
It is not known whether chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines and decongestants may also slow breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without your doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.
Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:
Artificially sweetened liquid cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), check the medication label to see if the product contains phenylalanine.
- asthma or COPD, cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;
- a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
- kidney or liver disease;
- high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease, or recent heart attack;
- enlarged prostate or urination problems;
- glaucoma;
- diabetes;
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor);
- overactive thyroid; or
- if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Kaon, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K).
How should I use Actifed Cold & Allergy
Use Actifed Cold & Allergy (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
The must be chewed before swallowing. chewable tablet
Measure with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. liquid medicine
This medication can cause unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cold medicine within the past few days.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child.
You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an . Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. extended-release tablet or capsule
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Since cold medicine is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Actifed Cold & Allergy side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. signs of an allergic reaction:
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- chest pain, rapid pulse, fast or uneven heart rate;
- confusion, hallucinations, severe nervousness;
- tremor, seizure (convulsions);
- little or no urinating;
- easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
- dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, shortness of breath).
- dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision;
- dry nose or mouth;
- nausea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite;
- problems with memory or concentration; or
- feeling restless or excited (especially in children).
Common side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1 800 FDA 1088.
What other drugs will affect Actifed Cold & Allergy?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, or sleep medicine. Chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant.