Actifed

Actifed is an over-the-counter medication used to treat allergies or symptoms of the common cold. This non-prescription drug combines chlorpheniramine maleate (an antihistamine) and phenylephrine hydrochloride (a decongestant). It comes in tablet form, and is typically taken every four hours. Common side effects may include dry mouth, nervousness, and insomnia or drowsiness.

Actifed Medication Information

What Is Actifed?

Actifed^® Cold & Allergy (chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride) is a non-prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of the common cold or allergies (such as hay fever). It contains two different medications: chlorpheniramine maleate (an antihistamine) and phenylephrine hydrochloride (a decongestant).

(Click Actifed Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes This Medication?

Brand-name Actifed is made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare.

Original Actifed

The version of Actifed currently available in the United States is different from

original Actifed, which contained triprolidine, instead of chlorpheniramine, and pseudoephedrine, instead of phenylephrine. This change was made in response to new regulations that required pseudoephedrine to be sold behind the pharmacy counter. Some people who were accustomed to the original versions feel that the new, reformulated version is not as effective.

While brand-name original Actifed is no longer sold in the United States, generic versions are still available. Just look for products containing 2.5 mg of triprolidine hydrochloride and 60 mg of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride. Your pharmacist can help you find a generic version of Actifed.

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