Actifed vs Sudafed
 | Actifed |  | Sudafed |  |
| This combination medication is used to temporarily relieve symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, or other breathing illnesses (such as sinusitis, bronchitis). Antihistamines help relieve watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, runny nose, and sneezing. Decongestants help to relieve stuffy nose and ear congestion symptoms. If you are self-treating with this medication, carefully read the package instructions to be sure it is right for you before you start using this product. Some products have similar brand names but different active ingredients with different uses. Taking the wrong product could harm you. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about your product or its use. Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Therefore, do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (including some long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy. These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray). | Pseudoephedrine is used for the temporary relief of stuffy nose and sinus pain/pressure caused by infection (such as the common cold, flu) or other breathing illnesses (such as hay fever, allergies, bronchitis). Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant (sympathomimetic). It works by narrowing the blood vessels to decrease swelling and congestion. If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the manufacturer's package instructions carefully so you know when to consult your doctor or pharmacist. (See also Precautions section.) Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Long-acting tablets/capsules are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely. These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar decongestants (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray). OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. Your doctor may direct you to use pseudoephedrine to decrease pain and swelling in the ear or to help "open up" the ear canal when there is a change in air pressure (such as during air travel, underwater diving). Follow your doctor's directions carefully. | |||
Alternatives
Reviews
| Add Actifed review Initially, I was suffering with a headache in the very top of my head, not realizing a sinus cavity was located there. I had to leave work and go to my mother's. After two hours of severe pain, I had the thought that just maybe it was being caused by conjestion. I took a Actifed tablet in the outside chance it would help. It worked like a miracle and I have been using it ever sense. It has been very difficult to find this product in any stores lately. My rating is on the old Actifed. It was the only allergy med that would help me. The mfg has changed the ingredients. It does not contain Triprolidine anymore. I'm trying to find a med that does contain Triprolidine. I only took 1/2 tab and it worked fine without making me sleepy. | Add Sudafed review After taking the medication I immediately fell asleep for 9 hours only getting up because I had to go to class. Throughout the day my drowsiness got worse and my stomach was cramping and upset. I finally left and went home and promptly fell asleep for 3 more hours. Don't get me wrong, this medication is a blessing for my severe sinus congestion. I'm talking about ears ringing and eyes hurting! Noting else will work, Unfortunately it also raises my BP, I'm only 24... This product works well I have tried several types of decongestant and was not satisfied with the result. I mostly use maxium strength non drowsy formula, cause I don't want to feel sleepy in the day time. | |||
