Actifed

Activated is a  drug that is useful for relieving symptoms due to colds, flu, or allergic rhinitis. This drug is available in syrup form with three variants, namely Activated Yellow, Activated Green, and Activated Red.

Activated contains two main ingredients, namely pseudoephedrine HCl and triprolidine. Pseudoephedrine HCl is a decongestant that works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal cavity so that it can relieve symptoms of nasal congestion.

While triprolidine is an antihistamine that works by inhibiting the work of histamine, a chemical that will cause an allergic reaction when a person is exposed to an allergy-triggering substance (allergen).

Active Products

There are three Activated products available in Indonesia, namely:

1. Actifed

Activated which is packaged in a yellow bottle is useful for relieving colds and sneezing. Each 5 ml of Activated contains the active ingredients pseudoephedrine HCl and triprolidine.

2. Actifed Plus Expectorant

Activated Plus Expectorant which is packaged in a green bottle is useful for relieving colds and coughs with phlegm. Each 5 ml of Active Plus Expectorant contains the active ingredients pseudoephedrine HCl, triprolidine , and guaifenesin.

3. Actifed Plus Cough Suppressant

Activated Plus Cough Suppressant which is packaged in a red bottle is useful for relieving colds , itchy and dry coughs. Each 5 ml of Activated Plus Cough Expectorant contains the active ingredients pseudoephedrine HCl, triprolidine, and dextromethorphan .

What is Active

Active Ingredients	Pseudoephedrine HCl dan triprolidine
The group	Free medicine
Category	Decongestants and antihistamines
Benefit	Relieve symptoms of flu , cold, cough, and allergic rhinitis
Consumed by	Adults and children over 6 years old
Active for pregnant and lactating mothers	Category N: Not yet categorized. Activated can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Drug form	Syrup

Warning Before Consuming Active

Although Activated is easy to find in the market. Activated should not be consumed carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before consuming Activated:

• Do not take Actifed if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine, such as pseudoephedrine, triprolidine, guaifenesin, or dextromethorphan.
• Do not take Activated if you have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors ( MAOIs ) in the past 14 days.
• Do not consume alcohol while you are on treatment with Actived, as this can cause side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had diabetes , hypertension, heart disease , hyperthyroidism, enlarged prostate , kidney disease, asthma, arrhythmias , bronchitis, liver disease , glaucoma, stomach ulcers , difficulty urinating, or seizures .
• Do not drive a vehicle or operate equipment that requires alertness while you are being treated with Actived, as this medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• Activated contains aspartame. Tell your doctor if you have a history of phenylketonuria (PKU) before taking Actived.
• Talk to your doctor if you plan to take Actived with medications, supplements, or herbal products.
• Talk to your doctor about using Actived if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a medication , a severe side effect, or an overdose after taking Actived.

Dosage and Instructions for Use Active

The dosage of Activated varies from patient to patient, depending on the type of product, condition, and age of the patient. In general, the following are Activeed dosages to relieve flu, cold, cough, and allergy symptoms:

• Adults: 1 measuring spoon (5 ml), 3 times a day.
• Children 6–12 years: teaspoon (2.5 ml), 3 times a day.

How to Consume Activated Correctly

Make sure you follow the directions for use listed on the medicine package. In certain conditions, you are also recommended to consult a doctor before using this drug.

This medicine can be taken before or after meals. Active consumption after meals is recommended for people with ulcers or other digestive disorders. Shake the medicine bottle before taking it.

Use the measuring spoon provided in the Activated package. Do not use a regular tablespoon or teaspoon because the measurements may vary.

Make sure that there is sufficient time between one dose and the next. Also try to take the medicine at the same time every day for optimal effect.

If you forget to take Activated, it is recommended to consume it immediately if the gap with the next consumption schedule is not too close or approximately 4 hours. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.

Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first. If the symptoms of flu, runny nose, cough, and allergic rhinitis have not healed for more than 7 days, consult a doctor immediately.

Store Activated in a closed container and at room temperature. The drug should not be stored in a place exposed to direct sunlight or in a humid place.

Actived Interactions with Other Drugs

Please be careful if you want to take Actived together with other drugs, because the following drug interactions may appear:

• Increased risk of hypertensive crisis if used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants , amphetamines, decongestants , or other antihistamines
• Decreased effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs , such as methyldopa or guanethidine, for lowering blood pressure
• Increased risk of side effects when used with furazolidone

Activated Plus Cough Suppressant contains the active ingredient dextromethorphan. If dextromethorphan is used with fluoxetine , paroxetine, quinidine , or terbinafine , the risk of fatal side effects may increase.

Side Effects and Dangers of Activated

Generally Active is a cough cold medicine that is safe if used according to the rules of use. However, the content of pseudoephedrine HCl and triprolidine contained in Actifed can cause the following side effects:

• Drowsiness or headache
• Dry mouth, nose or throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizzy
• Stomach pain or constipation
• Restlessness or difficulty sleeping
• Blurred vision
• Difficult to urinate
• Tremors or loss of balance
• Heart pounding
• Hallucinations, especially in children

Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of an itchy and swollen rash, swollen eyes and lips, or difficulty breathing.