Drug family: Decongestant and antiallergic vasoconstrictor
IN WHICH CASE IS THE DRUG ACTIFED RHINITIS ALLERGIQUE PRESCRIBED?
This medicine combines cetirizine, an antiallergic antihistamine , and pseudoephredrine, a decongestant vasoconstrictor that reduces the feeling of stuffy nose.
It is used in the treatment of allergic manifestations with stuffy nose and allergic rhinitis : runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and eyes.
PRESENTATIONS OF THE DRUG ACTIFED RHINITIS ALLERGIQUE
COMPOSITION OF THE DRUG ACTIFED ALLERGIC RHINITIS
| p cp | |
| Cetirizine dihydrochloride | 5mg |
| Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride | 120mg |
| Lactose | + |
CONTRAINDICATIONS OF THE DRUG ACTIFED ALLERGIC RHINITIS
history of stroke ; _ _
arterial hypertension not controlled by specific treatment;
severe coronary insufficiency ;
risk of angle-closure glaucoma ;
risk of urine blockage ( prostate adenoma ) ;
history of seizures ;
severe kidney failure ;
in combination with a non-selective MAOI - type antidepressant or for at least 15 days after taking it;
in combination with another decongestant containing a vasoconstrictor or a medicine containing one of the following substances: bromocriptine, pergolide, lisuride, cabergoline, ergotamine or dihydroergotamine;
child under 15;
breastfeeding .
ATTENTION
Although sold without a prescription, this medicine contains a vasoconstrictor which may cause potentially serious cardiac or neurological side effects . Its use requires certain precautions, in particular the respect of doses and contraindications. Be sure not to combine it with any other medication containing a decongestant vasoconstrictor , especially nasally .
Decongestant vasoconstrictors can increase heart rate ( tachycardia ) and cause palpitations and nausea. If these adverse effects are too marked, treatment should be discontinued.
They can also be responsible for rare neurological complications ( convulsions , hallucinations, abnormal agitation), especially in the event of excessive dosage . Respect the recommended dose.
It is best to take medical advice in case of hyperthyroidism , heart disease, diabetes or psychic disorders.
Taking this medicine can cause acute glaucoma in predisposed people: red, hard and painful eye, with blurred vision. An extreme emergency consultation with an ophthalmologist is necessary.
This medication may, in rare cases, cause a decrease in alertness . Make sure on the occasion of the first catches that you support it well, before driving or using a dangerous machine.
Sportsman: this medicine contains a substance considered to be a stimulant (phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine or synephrine) which appears in the 2004 monitoring program of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. It can be looked for in the urine of athletes in order to detect possible misuse.
INTERACTIONS OF THE DRUG ACTIFED RHINITIS ALLERGIQUE WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
another oral decongestant vasoconstrictor containing phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine or methylphenidate or a nasal vasoconstrictor containing naphazoline , oxymetazoline, ephedrine or tuaminoheptane sulphate: risk of hypertensive crisis;
a non-selective MAOI - type antidepressant ( MARSILID ): a period of at least 15 days must be respected between taking these 2 drugs.
It may interact with ergot derivatives used in Parkinson's disease (bromocriptine, pergolide, lisuride, cabergoline) or in migraine (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, methysergide) or with selective A MAOIs (moclobemide).
FERTILITY, PREGNANCY AND LACTATION
PREGNANCY :
Due to the presence of pseudoephedrine, the use of this medication is not recommended for pregnant women.
FEEDING WITH MILK :
This medication passes into breast milk. It is contraindicated during lactation.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE AND DOSAGE OF THE DRUG ACTIFED ALLERGIC RHINITIS
The tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water, without being chewed, with or without food.
USUAL DOSE:
Adult and teenager over 15 years old : 1 tablet, morning and evening.
The duration of treatment should not exceed 5 days.
TIPS
This medicine acts on the manifestations of the allergy but does not eliminate the cause. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE DRUG ACTIFED ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Related to pseudoephedrine:
Acceleration of the heart, palpitations .
Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting.
Headaches, convulsions , anxiety, agitation, insomnia, behavioral disturbances.
Skin rash , itching, sweating.
Urinary retention.
Exceptionally: stroke ( in case of misuse).
Related to cetirizine: digestive disorders , dry mouth, dizziness , drowsiness
