What you need to know about these cough medicines (Chlorpheniramine; Hydrocodone)

Sometimes the cough and cold we get are very annoying, aren't they? The nose runs like water, the chest hurts when we cough, and we can't sleep at all. When you go to see a doctor at a time like this, maybe he can prescribe you this medicine. This is actually a combination of two types of medicine. Let's see what it is, how it works, and what we need to be careful about when using it.

What kind of medicine is this?

Simply put, this is a long-acting capsule made by combining two types of medicine. One is Chlorpheniramine . This belongs to the group called ``Antihistamine``. To be precise, it controls the chemical ``Histamine`` that is produced in our body when we have allergies. That means it controls things like runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.

The other medicine is Hydrocodone . This is a cough suppressant. It belongs to the class of strong painkillers called Opiates. It works by reducing the activity of the cough center in the brain. This helps control persistent, painful coughs. So, the combination of these two helps control the symptoms of allergies and colds.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

This is very important. It is for your own safety to inform your doctor about any health problems you have, as using this medicine with certain medical conditions can be dangerous.

If you have any of the conditions in the table below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.

How should I use the medicine?

The way you use this medicine is very important. You should take it exactly as the doctor says, in the amount he says.

• Take this capsule with a glass of water .
• Swallow the capsule whole. Never break, crush, or chew it. It is designed to be absorbed slowly into the body. If you break it, you could take a large dose at once, which is dangerous.
• You can take it before or after meals. If you experience stomach upset, take it with food .
• Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
• This medication is not approved for use in children, so do not give it to children without the advice of a pediatrician.

What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)

If you have any suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . This is something that should not be delayed.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Hey, missed a dose? Don't worry. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

When taking this medication, you should tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and even herbal products you are taking, as some medications can interact with this medication and cause dangerous side effects.

In addition, medications for HIV/AIDS, some antibiotics (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin), antifungals (e.g. ketoconazole), medications for Parkinson's disease, and some stomach medications can also interact with this medicine. Therefore, it is very important to give your doctor a list of all the medications you are taking.

Things to consider when taking medication

Use exactly as your doctor tells you.

When you use this medicine for a long time, your body can get used to it. This is called ``tolerance''. This means that over time, you may feel that the medicine has lost its effectiveness. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor. Do not increase the dose as you wish.

Also, do not stop taking this medicine suddenly after taking it for a long time. Doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms. This does not mean that you are addicted to the medicine. Addiction is the practice of using a medicine for a non-medical reason. It is simply a case of the body becoming accustomed to the medicine (dependence). If the doctor wants to stop the medicine, he will gradually reduce the dose.

Drowsiness and dizziness

Taking this medication may cause significant drowsiness and dizziness.

• Do not do anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
• Don't stand or sit up suddenly, especially if you're elderly. Doing so can cause dizziness and you may fall.
• Avoid drinking alcohol completely. Taking this medication with alcohol can cause severe drowsiness and even stop breathing, which can be dangerous.

Constipation may occur.

This is a common side effect of this medication. Check to see if you are having a bowel movement at least every two to three days. If it doesn't go away for more than three days, talk to your doctor. Eating fruits, vegetables, high-fiber foods, and drinking plenty of water can help with this.

Dry mouth and dry eyes

Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water can help with dry mouth. If your eyes are dry, you can use lubricating eye drops. If these problems persist or are severe, talk to your doctor.

Side effects you may experience

Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.

How to store medicine safely?

This is very important. Because this medicine contains `(Hydrocodone), there is a potential for `(abuse).'

• Keep out of reach of children. It can be fatal if ingested by a child, other adult, or pet.
• Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft.
• Store tightly closed at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius).
• Do not use expired medication. When disposing of leftover or expired medication, mix it with something like cat litter or coffee grounds and place it in a well-sealed container (e.g., a coffee can with a lid) and dispose of it.