Actifed Multi-Action Chesty Cough Liquid (100ml)

Product Summary

Actifed Multi-Action Chesty Cough liquid relieves the symptoms of colds and flu including runny nose, watery eyes, nasal congestion, blocked sinuses and a chesty cough.

What are the active ingredients?

The liquid contains pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, a decongestant that relieves nasal and sinus congestion; and triprolidine hydrochloride, an antihistamine that helps stop sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes.

It also contains guaifenesin, an expectorant that helps to loosen mucus in your throat and chest.

Dosage

Adults and children aged 12 years and over: Two large 5 ml spoonfuls every 4–6 hours, up to 4 times a day

• Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
• Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
• If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor.

Ingredients

• Each 5 ml contains: Guaifenesin 100 mg, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride 30 mg, Triprolidine Hydrochloride 1.25 mg
• Other ingredients include Sucrose, Sorbitol, Sodium Benzoate, Methyl Hydroxybenzoate, Colouring (E110), Alcohol

Warnings and restrictions

Do not use this medicine:

• if you have very high blood pressure or severe heart disease
• if you have ever had a bad reaction to any of the ingredients or to acrivastine (used to treat allergies and hay fever).
• if you are taking, or have taken in the last two weeks, drugs for depression known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
• if you are taking any other cough and/or cold medicine.

This medicine is not suitable for children under 12 years old.

If any of the above apply to you, do NOT take Actifed Multi-Action Chesty Cough liquid, and get advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Taking other medicines

This medicine can interact with other medicines, including:

• Sedatives (drugs used to treat anxiety and tension).
• Anti-hypertensives (drugs used to treat high blood pressure such as Guanethidine, Methyldopa, alpha and beta-blockers, Debrisoquine, Bretylium and Betanidine),
• Sympathomimetic drugs (stimulants or appetite suppressants and drugs used to treat congestion and asthma).
• Tricyclic antidepressants (used to treat mood disorders).

If you are not sure about any of the medicines you are taking, show the bottle or pack to your pharmacist.

If any of the above points apply to you or have applied in the past, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

FAQs Answered by Pharmacists

What is the mode of Action of Actifed Multi-Action Chesty Cough Liquid?

Actifed contains three active ingredients, which work to relieve different cold and flu symptoms:

Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride - a decongestant that constricts swollen blood vessels in the nostrils, making the nose less blocked and sinus congestion less.

Triprolidine hydrochloride - an antihistamine, which stops sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes by blocking histamine, the chemical that causes allergic symptoms.

Guaifenesin - an expectorant that thins and loosens mucus in the chest and throat, making it easier to cough up.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Pseudoephedrine and triprolidine start working in 30 minutes to an hour, reducing congestion and sneezing. Guaifenesin takes a little longer, but you should start to feel looser mucus within a few hours.

Can I Take This If I Have High Blood Pressure?

If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication. Pseudoephedrine increases blood pressure and may not be suitable for people with uncontrolled hypertension. If you have controlled blood pressure on medications, a healthcare professional can advise on whether this is safe for you.

Why Can't I Take This With Other Cold or Cough Medicines?

The majority of cold and flu products have similar ingredients, such as decongestants and antihistamines. Taking several at once will result in an overdose of the ingredients and a higher likelihood of side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, an increased heart rate, and dizziness.

Can I Take Actifed Multi-Action Chesty Cough Liquid If I'm Taking Antidepressants?

If you are on Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or have been on them in the past two weeks, don't take this drug. MAOIs (such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and isocarboxazid) will have a dangerous interaction with pseudoephedrine, leading to an acute increase in blood pressure. If you are on tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline), talk to a healthcare provider before using.

Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking This

It is best to avoid alcohol when taking this medication. The antihistamine (triprolidine) tends to make you sleepy, and alcohol will worsen it. It may also increase dizziness and affect coordination.

Can I Take Actifed If I Have Asthma?

If you have asthma, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you take this medication. While guaifenesin thins mucus, pseudoephedrine sometimes worsens breathing difficulties in people with asthma.

Why Is This Not Good for Children Under 12?

The combination of ingredients in this drug may be too strong for small children. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine can produce fast heart rate and restlessness, and antihistamines like triprolidine can cause excessive sleepiness in children. Use age-specific drugs in small children at all times.

How Should I Store This Medicine?

Below 25°C, tightly sealed in its original pack. Store away from direct sunlight and out of children's reach. Once opened, follow any expiry guidance on the bottle.