Actifed tablets/syrup

How does it work?

Actifed tablets and syrup contain two active ingredients, pseudoephedrine and triprolidine.

Pseudoephedrine is a type of medicine called a decongestant. It works by acting on alpha receptors that are found in the walls of blood vessels in the linings of the nasal passages and sinuses. It causes these blood vessels to contract and narrow, thereby decreasing blood flow into the linings of the nose and sinuses. This reduces the feeling of congestion and also reduces the production of mucus.

Pseudoephedrine can be used to relieve a blocked nose and sinus congestion associated with conditions such as nasal allergies, colds and flu.

Triprolidine is a type of medicine called a sedating antihistamine. It works by preventing the actions of histamine.

Histamine is a chemical produced naturally by the body that has many effects, including the production of allergic symptoms, such as a runny nose. Blocking histamine receptors prevents the actions of histamine, which reduces the production of mucus in the nose.

Triprolidine is called a sedating antihistamine because it enters the brain in significant quantities and causes drowsiness.

The combination of antihistamine and decongestant in Actifed tablets and syrup is used to relieve the symptoms of nasal allergies, colds and flu.

Actifed tablets are suitable for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age. One tablet should be taken every four to six hours as necessary, up to a maximum of 4 tablets in 24 hours.

Actifed syrup is suitable for adults and children over two years of age. A maximum of 4 doses should be taken in 24 hours. For people aged over 12 years, 10ml should be taken every four to six hours. For children aged 6 to 12 years, 5ml should be given every four to six hours. For children aged 2 to 5 years, 2.5ml should be given every four to six hours.

What is it used for?

Relieving symptoms such as nasal and sinus congestion associated with nasal allergies, colds and flu.

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine.

If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Heart disease

High blood pressure

Overactive thyroid gland

Enlarged prostate gland

Diabetes

Raised pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure), eg glaucoma.

Not to be used in

Very high blood pressure

Severe coronary heart disease

People who have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)antidepressant (eg phenelzine, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine or moclobemide) in the last 14 days

Actifed syrup contains sucrose and should not be used in people with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency.

Actifed syrup should not be used in children under two years of age.

Actifed tablets should not be used in children under 12 years of age.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used by pregnant women unless your doctor thinks the potential benefits outweigh any possible risks to the developing baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. The effect on a nursing baby is not known. As with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Drowsiness

Disturbed sleep

Increased heart rate

Dry mouth, nose or throat

Anxiety

Restlessness

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Skin rash

Hallucinations

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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