Actifed Side Effects

Although many people do not experience problems with Actifed, side effects are possible. Some of the bothersome (but not usually dangerous) side effects include dizziness, headaches, and nervousness. There are also, however, some potentially serious side effects of the medication that may require immediate medical attention. Notify your healthcare provider right away if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or difficulty passing urine.

An Introduction to Actifed Side Effects

Just like any medicine, Actifed® Cold & Allergy (chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. In fact, many people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Actifed. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Actifed side effects with you.)
 

Bothersome Side Effects of Actifed

Actifed is a non-prescription medication, and detailed information about possible side effects is not provided in the labeling for non-prescription medications.
 Therefore, no exact percentages for the individual side effects are available.
 
Some of the possible bothersome (but not usually dangerous) side effects of Actifed include:
 
  • Dizziness
  • Pale skin
  • Excitability, nervousness, or restlessness
  • Insomnia or drowsiness
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Goose bumps
  • Weakness
  • Shakiness
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Increased appetite and/or weight gain
  • Joint pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Sore throat.
     
(Actifed Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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