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Actifed User Reviews & Ratings

Actifed has an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 from a total of 19 reviews on Drugs.com. 74% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 11% reported a negative experience.

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Reviews for Actifed

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • LLa...
  • October 20, 2009

For Cold Symptoms "When used for colds, Actifed works well for drying up post-nasal drip that causes near-constant coughing, especially at night. It does cause drowsiness, but not a problem for nighttime use. I can get a nearly full night of rest. However, with subsequent use on following nights, Actifed's effectiveness lasts only half as long."

8 / 10
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14 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 26, 2019

For Allergic Rhinitis "I've tried almost all of the sinusitis medicines, but none come close to Actifed. Actifed is the only one that gives me relief from runny nose, sneezing, post nasal drip within 20 minutes. Yes, I do get a dry mouth now and again after taking a tablet. The only other side effect is that after taking a few tablets over a few days, I break out in a skin rash in some places (back, stomach). Worth it for the relief, though."

10 / 10
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4 Report
  • Min...
  • February 9, 2012

For Cold Symptoms "This is my absolute favorite for colds with a runny and partially blocked nose, itchy and watery eyes, and sneezing. This antihistamine does make me drowsy a tiny bit, but I can go to work as normal and don't really see any difference. I tried combining some other antihistamines and phenylephrine, but I keep going back to good old Actifed. The only downside - it really makes my mouth and throat dry, so I guess I might try taking half of the tablet instead."

9 / 10
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9 Report
  • Mat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 2, 2018

For Cold Symptoms "Every time I have a cold, this is the only OTC drug that makes going to work possible. Occasionally makes me drowsy, but it dries the cold up really well. Need to drink a lot of water, as you get a slightly dry throat."

9 / 10
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3 Report
  • Air...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 17, 2024

For Cold Symptoms "It helped with my incredibly runny nose. I hadn't been able to breathe for 5 days straight when I tried it. I fell asleep in under an hour, so now I can only take it before bed, but it does work like a charm. You wake up refreshed, but it wears off in about 4-5 hours. Make sure you check the list of active ingredients."

9 / 10
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0 Report

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  • Ray...
  • February 7, 2024

For Cold Symptoms "Works well to stop runny nose and sore throat. It does make you drowsy, but this is beneficial for a good night's sleep with cold symptoms."

9 / 10
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2 Report
  • Yat...
  • November 4, 2020

For Cold Symptoms "Actifed is the best pill ever for colds - I can't live without it. I also take it when I want to sleep sometimes."

10 / 10
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5 Report
  • jjj...
  • April 17, 2009

For Cold Symptoms "It's the best medicine for relief from cold and runny nose, but I feel sleepy every time I use it."

9 / 10
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13 Report
  • Jb1...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 29, 2016

For Cold Symptoms "To be honest, the first time I used it, I thought it was great. But this time, it's not effective at all. Still have a runny nose, watery eyes, etc."

4 / 10
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9 Report
  • Sam...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 10, 2023

For Allergic Rhinitis "This knocked me right out. I had to have a lay down. I would definitely recommend taking at bedtime. Does the job, though. Just doesn't fix the issue, but gives a few hours of relief."

8 / 10
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2 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 20, 2009

For Allergic Rhinitis "This is the very best drug I've found for frequent attacks of runny nose and sneezing. As an antihistamine, it's very fast acting. It can be scored in half or used whole."

9 / 10
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9 Report
  • Sne...
  • May 26, 2009

For Allergic Rhinitis "Used to work great. 1 tab a day for allergies, no side effects. Lately, bad side effects, sleepy and unsettled."

5 / 10
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9 Report
  • Dee...
  • February 23, 2009

For Cold Symptoms "This product really helps when it comes to congestion, runny nose, etc. Definitely recommend it for cold symptoms."

9 / 10
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9 Report
  • Ver...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 24, 2019

For Cold Symptoms "Took two Actifed tablets and woke up on the kitchen floor with a blanket thrown over me. Seriously, this stuff is amazing, my cold was gone overnight, and I feel like a new person."

10 / 10
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5 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 9, 2008

For Allergic Rhinitis "Very effective for treating respiratory allergy symptoms and congestion. But the side effect of prostate swelling limits its use."

7 / 10
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9 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 25, 2023

For Cold Symptoms "Really helps with cold and sinus problems. Makes me very sleepy, but good to take at night for a restful sleep when struggling with cold symptoms."

9 / 10
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1 Report
  • Sec...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 17, 2016

For Cold Symptoms "Makes me have a good night's sleep."

10 / 10
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4 Report
  • Lee...
  • November 1, 2018

"It gives me palpitations... Can't use it anymore."

1 / 10
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2 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 8, 2020

For Cold Symptoms "I was recommended Actifed by a colleague, but having taken it for 3 days, I've not noticed any clearing up of blocked sinuses, in fact, it's getting worse!"

1 / 10
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1 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.