- Actifed
Actifed is a
registered trademark for a combinationantihistamine (chlorpheniramine maleate ) andnasal decongestant (phenylephrine } medication used for cold andallergy symptoms. Developed in1958 by Burroughs Wellcome & Company (now part ofGlaxoSmithKline ), [ [http://www.gsk.com/about/history-noflash.htm# Our history - About GlaxoSmithKline] ] the product was later acquired byPfizer , and is currently sold byJohnson & Johnson .2006 formula change
The original formula for Actifed contained
pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 60 mg as the nasal decongestant andtriprolidine hydrochloride 2.5 mg as the antihistamine. However, in response to widespread laws requiring products containing pseudoephedrine to be kept behind the pharmacy counter, Pfizer changed Actifed's formula in late 2006 to containchlorpheniramine maleate 4 mg as the antihistamine andphenylephrine HCl 10 mg as the nasal decongestant. [ [http://www.pfizerch.com/faq.aspx?brand=35#FAQ1461 FAQ ] ] Many users of the old formula have complained that the new formula is not as effective at relieving their symptoms. [ [http://www.amazon.com/Actifed-Allergy-Tablets-24-Count-Packages/dp/B000FKJV6Y Amazon.com: Actifed Cold & Allergy Relief Tablets, 24-Count Packages (Pack of 3): Health & Personal Care ] ]The old version of Actifed is still available behind the pharmacy counter in some states, as well as in some foreign markets, including
Canada and theUnited Kingdom . Other brands available behind the counter that use the old formula include Genac and Aprodine.Apollo Missions
Actifed was included in the standard medical kit aboard the
United States Apollo mission s, and was used duringApollo 7 andApollo 12 when crew members developed head cold symptoms. [ [http://history.nasa.gov/SP-368/s2ch1.htm SP-368 Biomedical Results of Apollo] , NASA] When Actifed was made available over-the-counter, former astronauts from the Apollo missions appeared in commercials promoting the product.References
External links
* [http://www.brands2liveby.com/product.aspx?id=46 Johnson & Johnson page for Actifed]
* [http://www.drugs.com/actifed.html More information on drugs.com]ACTIFED old SOLUTIOn rules
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