Are you aware of these medications that reduce cough and phlegm? (Dextromethorphan…

It's very annoying when we have a cough or a cold. So, there are times when we go to the pharmacy and ask for a single medicine that will cure several of these symptoms in the hope of a quick cure. Such medicines are often made by combining them in a way that will cure all three: cough, phlegm, and nasal congestion. Although it may seem simple, it is very important to know what is in the medicine we take and how it affects our body. Today we are talking about such a commonly used combination of medicines.

⚡ Interactive Clinical Tool

⚖️

BMI Calculator

Know your body mass index (BMI) and weight classification

Open Interactive Calculator →

What does this medicine contain?

This medicine is actually a combination of three main types of medicine. Each of them does a different job. Simply put, these three medicines work together to control your cough, phlegm, and nasal congestion.

Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant. It works by affecting the cough center in the brain, stopping frequent, painful coughs.
Guaifenesin: This works by loosening mucus in the chest and helping it to be coughed up more easily (expectorant). This greatly reduces the discomfort of mucus stuck in the throat.
Phenylephrine: This works by constricting the blood vessels in the nose, reducing nasal congestion, runny nose, and congestion (decongestant).

Important: This medicine only controls symptoms. If you have a bacterial or viral infection, this medicine will not cure it.

The most important things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before taking this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions. This is very important for your safety.

Information to inform the doctor
Diseases	Diabetes High blood pressure Heart disease Glaucoma Thyroid disease Respiratory diseases such as lung disease or asthma Enlarged prostate
Use of other medications	If you have taken an MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) medication (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil) within the past 14 days. These are a type of medication commonly used to treat mental illness.
Other points	If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients in this medicine or to any other medicine, food, or dye. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you are a breastfeeding mother.

How should I use the medicine?

Always take this medicine with a glass of water. Your doctor may sometimes advise you to take it with a meal or a glass of milk to avoid stomach upset. Never take more than the recommended dose or more often than your doctor has prescribed.

If given to children: This medicine is sometimes prescribed to children over 6 years of age. But only on the advice of a doctor. When giving it to a child, you need to be very careful about the dosage.

People over 60 years of age: Older people may feel the effects of this medicine more strongly, so a lower dose is usually prescribed.

What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Can there be problems with other medications? (Interactions)

Yes, this medicine can interact with some other medications. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

Never take this medicine with these!
MAOI medications (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) Ergot alkaloids (e.g. dihydroergotamine) Stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or alertness
These may react with each other - ask your doctor.
Alcohol Medications for conditions such as depression and anxiety Sleeping pills Medication for high blood pressure Some medications for heart disease (e.g. metoprolol, digoxin, methyldopa) Muscle relaxants Other medicines for coughs, colds, and allergies

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

If your cough lasts for more than a week, or if the cough is accompanied by a high fever, a runny nose, or a persistent headache, see a doctor immediately.
Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help loosen the mucus and help it come out.
You may feel dizzy, drowsy, or dizzy after taking this medicine. Therefore , avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with the effects of this medicine.

Side effects of the medicine

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.

Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately	Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist
Allergic reactions (redness of the skin, itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face) Difficulty breathing Rapid or irregular heartbeat Seizures Extreme restlessness, irritability Feeling unusually tired or weak Confusion	Headache Dizziness Nausea, vomiting Stomach ache Diarrhea Difficulty falling asleep

💡 Take-Home Message

If you buy a cough medicine from the pharmacy, be aware of the ingredients. Before taking such a combination medicine, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking.
Avoid driving while taking this medicine as it may make you feel drowsy. Do not drink alcohol.
If the cough persists for more than a week or if other symptoms such as fever, rash, or other symptoms appear, do not continue taking medication from the pharmacy and see a doctor.
If you suspect an overdose, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Do not share your prescribed medication with others. Even if they have the same symptoms, the medication may not be suitable for them.

Are you aware of these medications that reduce cough and phlegm? (Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)