Actifed Overdose

It is possible to take too much Actifed. Symptoms can include seizures, hallucinations, and even death. Treatment for an overdose may involve pumping the stomach, administering certain medications, or providing supportive care. The effects of an overdose of Actifed will vary, depending on how much of the medication was taken and whether it was taken with other substances.

Can You Take Too Much Actifed?

Actifed® Cold & Allergy (chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride) is a medication used to treat allergies, such as hay fever, and the common cold. As with any medication, it is possible to take too much Actifed. The specific effects of an Actifed overdose can vary, depending on a number of factors, including the Actifed dosage and whether it was taken with any other medications or substances.
 

Symptoms of an Overdose With Actifed

An Actifed overdose may cause symptoms such as:
 
  • Unusual muscle contractions
  • Dilated pupils
  • Flushed face
  • Anxiety, nervousness, or insomnia
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • A fever
  • A rapid or slow heart rate
  • Muscle damage
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Dry mouth
  • A heart attack
  • Hyperventilation
  • Kidney failure
  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Psychosis (such as having hallucinations)
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Very high blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Liver damage
  • Loss of life.
     

Treatment for an Actifed Overdose

If the overdose was recent, a healthcare provider may administer certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach.
 " It is not usually recommended to induce vomiting, especially in severe cases. Treatment may also involve supportive care, which consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options for an overdose of Actifed may include:
 
  • Fluids through an intravenous line (IV)
  • Medicines to control an irregular heart rhythm or seizures
  • Closely monitoring the heart and lungs
  • Other treatments based on the complications that occur.
     
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on Actifed.
 

Add
Email
Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles