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 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.
