Actifed Multi Action Dry Coughs Liquid 10mg/5ml/30mg/5ml/1.25mg/5ml – 100ml

Actifed Multi-Action Dry Coughs Liquid is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine because it contains pseudoephedrine, a nasal decongestant that can interact seriously with certain medicines, most notably monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and that requires careful assessment in individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and other conditions. A pharmacist must assess suitability before every sale to ensure it is safe for the person purchasing it. This pharmacist supervision is a legal requirement, not simply a precaution, and is in place to protect your safety.

MAOIs interact seriously with both pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan. Combining pseudoephedrine with an MAOI can cause a hypertensive crisis — a sudden, severe rise in blood pressure that can be life-threatening. Combining dextromethorphan with an MAOI can cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition characterised by agitation, high temperature, rapid heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures or organ failure. MAOIs remain active in the body for up to 14 days after the last dose, so a full two-week washout period is required before this product can be used safely. Always tell your pharmacist what medicines you are taking before purchasing Actifed.

Pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure and is contraindicated in severe or uncontrolled hypertension. If your blood pressure is well controlled with medication, you may be able to use this product under pharmacist guidance, but this must be assessed on an individual basis. Speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist or your GP before taking this product if you have any form of high blood pressure or cardiovascular condition. There may be more suitable alternatives available that do not contain a decongestant.

No. Actifed Multi-Action Dry Coughs Liquid contains dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant. Cough suppressants are only appropriate for dry, unproductive coughs — they should not be used for a chesty or productive cough where the body is using the cough reflex to clear mucus from the airways. Suppressing a productive cough can cause mucus to accumulate and potentially worsen a chest infection. If your cough is productive, speak to a pharmacist about a suitable alternative preparation.

Yes, drowsiness is a common side effect, primarily due to the triprolidine antihistamine component. You should not drive or operate machinery after taking this product until you are confident it is not impairing your ability to do so safely. Alcohol significantly increases the sedating effect and must be avoided during treatment. For some people, particularly those taking the product at night, the mild sedative effect may actually be helpful in managing symptoms that disrupt sleep.

It is suitable for children aged 6 and over at the lower paediatric dose of 5ml per dose, under adult supervision and following pharmacist guidance. It is not recommended for children under 6 years of age. If you are considering this product for a child, please speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist first, who can confirm suitability, advise on the correct dose, and check for any contraindications specific to the child's health history or any other medicines they may be taking.

In general, Actifed Multi-Action Dry Coughs Liquid does not interact directly with paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, be cautious about using any combination cold product alongside Actifed, as some all-in-one cold and flu remedies already contain a decongestant or antihistamine and combining them could result in excessive doses of pseudoephedrine or triprolidine. Always check the ingredients of any other cold or cough preparation before using it alongside Actifed, and ask your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist if you are unsure.

Do not use Actifed Multi-Action Dry Coughs Liquid for more than 5 to 7 days without seeking pharmacist or GP advice. If your symptoms are not improving or are worsening during this time — particularly if your cough becomes productive, you develop a high fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing — stop using the product and seek medical assessment promptly. Cold symptoms that persist beyond 7 to 10 days may sometimes indicate a secondary bacterial infection such as sinusitis or a chest infection, which requires appropriate medical management.