chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine (Actifed Cold and Allergy)
Classes: Antihistamine/Decongestant Combos
Dosing and uses of Actifed Cold and Allergy (chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine
tablet
- 4mg/10mg
Nasal Congestion or Sneezing Due to Common Cold, Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis
Actifed Cold and Allergy
- 1 tablet PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 tab/24h
Sudafed PE Sinus & Allergy
- 1 tablet PO q4hr not to exceed 6 tablets/24hr
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine
tablet
- 4mg/10mg
Nasal Congestion or Sneezing Due to Common Cold, Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis
Not recommended for children <12 yo
>12 Years Old
- Actifed Cold and Allergy: 1 tablet PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 tab/24 hr
- Sudafed PE Sinus & Allergy: 1 tablet PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 tablets/24 hr
Actifed Cold and Allergy (chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Hypertension
Hypotension
Palpitations
Reflex tachycardia
Severe peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction
Tachycardia
Confusion
Depression
Distress
Dizziness
Excitability
Euphoria
Fatigue
Headache
Insomnia
Irritability
Restlessness
Sedation
Tremor
Anorexia
Agranulocytosis
Hemolytic anemia
Thrombocytopenia
Thickening of bronchial secretions
Wheezing
Warnings
Contraindications
Contraindicated in documented hypersensitivity; asthma attacks, narrow-angle glaucoma, symptomatic prostate hypertrophy, bladder-neck obstruction, and stenosing peptic ulcer
Cautions
Caution in elderly patients, hyperthyroidism, myocardial disease, bradycardia, partial heart block or severe arteriosclerosis when administering phenylephrine; in hypovolemia, phenylephrine use is not a substitute for replacement of blood, fluids and electrolytes, and plasma (promptly restore with loss); dilute IV and administer via large vein; extravasation precautions required
Chlorpheniramine may cause significant confusional symptoms; not for administration to premature or full-term neonates
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown/contraindicated
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Actifed Cold and Allergy (chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine)
Mechanism of action
Chlorpheniramine blocks muscle responses in histamine and acts as an antagonism of the constrictor effects of histamine on respiratory smooth muscle.
Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor and a decongestant that relieves symptoms resulting from irritation of upper respiratory tract tissue. It shrinks swollen mucous membranes, reduces nasal congestion and tissue hyperemia.
