Let's learn about a medicine to take at night for colds and coughs? (Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Doxylamine)

When you have a cold, it's hard to sleep, especially at night. You have a runny nose, a stuffy nose, a constant cough, and a headache along with a fever. Sometimes all of these things come together and can be very annoying. Today, we're going to talk about a medicine that can be used in such cases.

What kind of medicine is this? (What is this medication?)

Simply put, this is a capsule containing a combination of three medicines. That means you get three benefits from one capsule.

1. Acetaminophen : This relieves body aches and headaches . It also helps reduce fever. We usually take Panadol, which is a type of medicine of this type.

2. Dextromethorphan : This is a cough suppressant. If you have a dry, annoying cough, this can help control it.

3. Doxylamine: This is an antihistamine . It reduces allergy symptoms , such as runny nose, sneezing , and nasal congestion . One of the unique features of this medication is that it causes a slight drowsiness. That is why this medication is often called "Night Time." This helps you sleep well at night.

But remember, this medicine only controls the symptoms. If your cold is caused by a virus , this medicine cannot kill the virus. It is something that the body's immune system has to heal on its own.

What should I tell the doctor before taking this medicine?

This is very important. Before you start using this medicine, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist:

• If you have a lung disease such as asthma or bronchitis .
• If you have a cough that has been going on for a long time and won't go away.
• If you have a cough with a lot of mucus (this medicine is best for a dry cough, it is not good for stopping the flow of mucus in a cough with mucus).
• If you have the eye disease glaucoma .
• If you are a regular drinker .
• To youIf you have liver disease (this is especially important because acetaminophen can affect the liver).
• If you have a genetic condition called Phenylketonuria (PKU) .
• If you have used a medication in the group of medicines called MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) within the past 14 days . These are medicines commonly given for mental illness.
• If you have difficulty urinating (e.g. due to an enlarged prostate).
• If you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine, or any other medications, foods, artificial colors, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

By giving this information to your doctor, they can decide whether this medication is right for you or not, and if so, how to take it safely.

How do you use this medicine correctly?

This medicine comes in capsule form.

• You should drink it by mouth with a glass of water.
• Follow the instructions on the package exactly. Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule. Swallow it whole.
• Take the prescribed amount at the prescribed time. Do not take more than recommended.

If given to children:

Doctors sometimes recommend this medicine to children over 12 years of age. But there must be special reasons for it, and special care must be taken. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, be sure to consult a pediatrician.

What happens if you accidentally drink too much? (Overdosage)

If you think you've taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call a poison control center right away. Even if you don't have any symptoms, taking too much acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage. So don't delay.

Remember: This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Never take two doses at once.

What may interact with this medication?

Yes, this medicine can interact with some other medicines. Therefore, if you are using the following medicines, do not take this medicine:

• Medications called MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate).

Also, this medicine may interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Furazolidone
• Imatinib
• Isoniazid
• Linezolid
• Other medications for colds, coughs, or allergies (these may also contain acetaminophen, so taking both together can increase the acetaminophen level)
• Other medications containing acetaminophen
• Procarbazine

This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you use (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal products, vitamins). Also tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.

Be careful of these things when taking medicine.

• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they worsen, see a doctor immediately.
• If the pain or cough lasts more than 7 days, or gets worse, tell your doctor.
• If the fever lasts more than 3 days, or if the fever gets worse, call your doctor.
• If the cough does not get better, if it comes back after getting better, or if the cough is accompanied by a skin rash or headache, see a doctor.
• If your sore throat lasts more than 2 days, or is accompanied by fever, skin rashes, headache, nausea, or vomiting , see a doctor.

Drowsiness and dizziness:

This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. So, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up or sit down suddenly. Doing so may cause dizziness and fall. Drinking alcohol can change the effect of this medicine and may also increase drowsiness. So, avoid alcohol.

Be careful with acetaminophen:

This medicine contains acetaminophen. Therefore, do not take any other medicine containing acetaminophen (e.g. Panadol) while taking this medicine. Always read the label on the medicine packet carefully. If you are in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Taking too much acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage. If you think you may have taken too much, even if you don't have any symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like all medications, this one can cause side effects in some people.

Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately:

• Allergy symptoms:Skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Changes in vision.
• Confusion.
• Constant anxiety and restlessness.
• Difficulty with body balance, speaking, and walking.
• Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Feeling unusually weak or tired.
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) - This can be a sign that the liver is affected.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:

• Drowsiness, fatigue.
• Headache.
• Nausea, an upset stomach.

This list is not exhaustive. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, please tell your doctor about them as well.

How do you keep this medicine safe?

• Keep it out of the reach of children. This is very important.
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
• Do not use expired medications. Throw them away.

Final Take-Home Message

Okay, so let's summarize some of the most important points we've talked about this medicine so that you can remember them more easily:

• This medicine helps relieve cold symptoms (pain, fever, cough, runny nose), especially at night, and helps you sleep better.
• It contains three medications: Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, and Doxylamine.
• If you have other medical conditions, are taking other medications, are pregnant, or are a nursing mother, be sure to tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Take the medicine in the prescribed amount, as prescribed. Do not take more.
• Do not take other medications containing acetaminophen (such as Panadol) while taking this medicine.
• This medicine may make you drowsy, so avoid driving. Do not take this medicine with alcohol.
• If symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if new side effects develop, see a doctor immediately.
• If given to children, the advice of a pediatrician is mandatory.

I hope this information is helpful to you. No matter what medication you take, the most important thing is to be well-informed and use it safely. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

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