Actifed Multi-Action Tablets - 12 Tablets

Product Summary

Actifed relieves the symptoms of colds, flu, and allergies (including runny nose), watery eyes, nasal congestion, and blocked sinuses.

Directions for Actifed

• Adults and children over 12 years old: One tablet every 4–6 hours, up to 4 times a day
• Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
• Do not take more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
• If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor.

Ingredients in Actifed

• Active ingredients: Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride 60 mg and Triprolidine Hydrochloride 2.5 mg
• Other ingredients: Lactose, Maize Starch, Povidone and Magnesium Stearate

If you think you may be allergic to any of the ingredients listed above, please seek medical advice before taking this medicine.

Warnings and Restrictions for Actifed

Caution – talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• you have liver or kidney problems
• you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
• you have diabetes or if you been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars
• you have an overactive thyroid gland
• you have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• you have prostate problems (difficulty passing urine or needing to urinate often)
• you are drinking alcohol
• you are taking any other medicines (see 'Taking other medication' below)
• you suffer from nervousness or insomnia.

Please consult your pharmacist or doctor before using this medicine if you are currently pregnant, likely to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Do NOT use if:

• the patient is under the age of 12 years
• you have very high blood pressure or severe heart disease
• you have ever had a bad reaction to any of the ingredients
• you are taking other cold and flu products, including decongestants.

If you have been previously told by your doctor that you are intolerant to some sugars, seek medical advice prior to taking this medicine. (This medicine contains lactose.)

Drowsiness

• This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Taking other medication

If you are currently taking any other medicines, please consult your pharmacist or doctor before taking Multi-Action Actifed Tablets, as this may cause an interaction.

This product may not be suitable for you if you are taking certain medicines, including:

• Sedatives (drugs used to treat anxiety and tension).
• Antihypertensives (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).
• Drugs for depression known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), whether you are currently taking them or have taken them in the last two weeks.
• If you are taking Furazolidone (an antibacterial agent).

If any of the above applies to you, please seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before taking Multi-Action Actifed Tablets.

If you have any questions after you have bought this medication, please speak to your pharmacist.

FAQs Answered by Pharmacists

How Does Actifed Work?

Actifed contains two active ingredients:

Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (60 mg) - decongestant that constricts enlarged blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing a stuffy nose and sinus congestion.

Triprolidine hydrochloride (2.5 mg) - an antihistamine that blocks histamine, the chemical responsible for allergic reactions, to relieve a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Most get relief within 30 minutes to an hour. The length of action typically is 4 to 6 hours, so take it at regular intervals as needed.

Can I Use This If I Have High Blood Pressure?

If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Pseudoephedrine will increase blood pressure and should not be taken if you have very severe or uncontrolled hypertension.

Why Shouldn't I Take This with Other Cold or Flu Products?

Cold and flu products contain many of the same ingredients, particularly decongestants and antihistamines. More than one product should not be taken at the same time, as this can lead to an overdose of these ingredients and multiply side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and increased heart rate.

Can I Take Actifed When I Am Taking Antidepressants?

If you are already on MAOIs or have recently been on them for the past two weeks, do not take this drug. MAOIs (such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine) interact with pseudoephedrine and lead to a potentially lethal rise in blood pressure. Tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline) may also interact with Actifed—call your pharmacist or physician before using.

Can I Drink Alcohol When Using Actifed?

It is best to avoid alcohol when taking Actifed. The antihistamine (triprolidine) can cause drowsiness, and alcohol can worsen this, placing one at greater risk for dizziness and coordination problems.

Can I Take Actifed If I Have Diabetes?

Pseudoephedrine can raise blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes should consult their doctor or pharmacist before using it.

Can I Take Actifed If I Have Asthma?

If you are asthmatic, check with your doctor before taking Actifed. Some decongestants can cause airway narrowing in susceptible individuals, and this can worsen respiratory distress.

Why Is This Not Suitable for Children Under 12

The combination of ingredients in Actifed is also too potent for children. You can develop nervous heart and agitation with decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, while antihistamines such as triprolidine can cause too much sleepiness. Always keep a child's medicine on hand.

How do I store this medicine?

Below 25°C, in the original pack, not in direct sunlight. Store out of reach in a dry place.