Actifed-DM Syrup

About Actifed-DM Syrup

Actifed-DM Syrup Uses

• Dry, irritating cough that comes with a cold or flu.
• Blocked nose and sinus congestion from the common cold.
• Runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes from allergic rhinitis.
• Cough and nasal congestion that occur together.

Actifed-DM Syrup Benefits

• Calms a dry cough so rest and sleep are less disturbed.
• Opens a blocked nose and makes breathing easier.
• Treats cough, congestion and sneezing with one syrup.

What Experts Say

Actifed-DM Syrup combines an antihistamine, a decongestant and a cough suppressant. Each part targets a different cold symptom, so one bottle can cover cough, stuffy nose and sneezing together. Doctors usually choose it when a cold brings all three problems at once, and not when only one symptom is present.

Triprolidine dries a runny nose and reduces sneezing. Pseudoephedrine narrows swollen blood vessels in the nose to relieve congestion. Dextromethorphan acts on the cough center in the brain to settle a dry, tickly cough. It does not cure the infection behind the cold. It only eases symptoms while the body recovers, usually within a week.

This syrup suits a dry cough, not a wet cough with phlegm, where coughing helps clear the chest. Pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and the antihistamine can cause drowsiness, so short use as advised by a doctor is best. Anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease or diabetes should check with a doctor first, since decongestants can aggravate these conditions.

Drug Class

• Antihistamine, nasal decongestant and cough suppressant combination.

Actifed-DM Syrup formula

• Triprolidine HCl + Pseudoephedrine HCl + Dextromethorphan HBr

Available forms

• Syrup

How to use Actifed-DM Syrup?

• Adults and children over 12 years: 10 ml three times daily, or as prescribed by the doctor.
• Children 6 to 12 years: 5 ml three times daily, or as prescribed.
• Children under 6 years: use only if a doctor advises, with the dose set by age and weight.
• Measure Actifed-DM Syrup with the supplied cup and use it for a few days only unless the doctor says otherwise.

Drug Interactions

• MAO inhibitors: Taking them together, or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI, can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
• Antidepressants such as SSRIs: Combining with dextromethorphan may raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Sedatives, sleeping pills and alcohol: These add to the drowsiness caused by triprolidine.
• Blood pressure medicines: Pseudoephedrine can reduce the effect of antihypertensive drugs.

Risks and warnings

• Wet cough: Not suitable for a productive cough with phlegm, because suppressing it can trap mucus in the chest.
• Heart and blood pressure: Pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure and heart rate, so people with hypertension or heart disease need medical advice first.
• Drowsiness: Triprolidine can cause sleepiness, so driving and operating machinery should be avoided until the effect is known.
• Eye and prostate conditions: Caution is needed in glaucoma, an enlarged prostate and an overactive thyroid.
• Young children: Cough and cold medicines are not advised for children under 6 unless a doctor prescribes them.

Actifed-DM Syrup Side Effects

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Nervousness or restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Headache

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed and away from direct sunlight.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
• Keep out of reach of children.