Actifed Cold and Allergy

Generic name: chlorpheniramine 4mg and phenylephrine 10mg [ KLOR-fen-IR-a-meen-and-FEN-il-EFF-rin ]
Brand name: Actifed Cold and Allergy Tablets

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 4, 2022.

What is Actifed Cold and Allergy?

Actifed Cold and Allergy contains a combination of chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Actifed Cold and Allergy is used to treat symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

Actifed Cold and Allergy may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not use Actifed Cold and Allergy tablets if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Dangerous side effects may occur if you take Actifed Cold and Allergy before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine, or if you have severe high blood pressure or coronary artery disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, a stomach ulcer, or if you are unable to urinate.

Do not use Actifed Cold and Allergy during an asthma attack.

Actifed Cold and Allergy tablets can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Actifed Cold and Allergy. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine. Always ask a doctor before giving cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse after taking Actifed Cold and Allergy for 7 days.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Actifed Cold and Allergy if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Dangerous side effects may occur if you take Actifed Cold and Allergy before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Do not use Actifed Cold and Allergy if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or phenylephrine, or if you have:

• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;

• severe coronary artery disease;

• narrow angle glaucoma;

• a stomach ulcer; or

• if you are unable to urinate.

Do not use Actifed Cold and Allergy tablets during an asthma attack.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before you take Actifed Cold and Allergy, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;