What you need to know about this cough and phlegm reliever (Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine)

Do you also have a cold , cough, and a stuffy nose that bothers you for days? Sometimes, when it is difficult to control this condition with regular medications, your doctor may prescribe you a special medicine. One such medicine is a combination of two drugs called Hydrocodone and Pseudoephedrine . While these names may sound a bit complicated, let's talk about this medicine in a simple way that you can understand.

What is this medicine called Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine?

Simply put, this is a mixture of two medicines. One is a cough suppressant. The other is a decongestant . So, this medicine is mainly used to treat cough and nasal congestion caused by colds, flu , or other respiratory infections .

However, this is not a medicine that you can buy at a regular pharmacy. This is a medicine that must be prescribed by a doctor and is available only with a prescription .

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. This is because it can be dangerous to use this medicine with certain medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.

• Other illnesses you have:
• Diabetes​
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Lung or respiratory diseases like asthma
• Thyroid problems (Thyroid disease)
• Glaucoma
• Addison's disease
• Liver or kidney disease
• Stomach or intestine problems
• Difficulty urinating
• Other special occasions:
• Head injury
• Previous drug abuse or addiction
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• If you are a breastfeeding mother
• If you have an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in this medicine or to any other medicine, food, or dye.
• Other medications used:
• If you have taken any antidepressants, especially those in the MAOI class (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) within the past two weeks , it is important to mention this. It is very dangerous to use these two medications together.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

For a medicine to work properly, it must be used as directed.

1. Dosage: Take only the prescribed dosage as prescribed by your doctor. Never increase the dosage.

2. Measure: Use the special lid, spoon, or measuring cup that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use regular teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. They are not accurate and can cause the dosage to fluctuate.

3. Time of taking: Take the medicine at the prescribed time. Take it once every hour as prescribed by the doctor. Do not take it too often.

4. Food: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset or nausea, it is best to take the medicine with some food.

5. Information leaflet: When you are given the medicine, you will receive a special information leaflet (MedGuide). Always read it carefully. It is important to read the new leaflet every time you take the medicine.

Can this medicine be given to children?

This medicine is not approved for use in children. Therefore, avoid giving it to children unless specifically recommended by a doctor.

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

Imagine that you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine. This can be a very dangerous situation. If this happens, do not hesitate to contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

This medicine may interact with some other medicines you are taking. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).

This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking.

Be careful of these things when using the medicine.

• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine. Be careful about this until you know exactly how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are an elderly person, be careful when getting up from a standing position or from a sitting position. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication. The combination of alcohol and this medication can cause very serious side effects.
• Tolerance: After using this for a while, you may feel a little less effective. This means your body is getting used to the medicine. If your symptoms don't go away or get worse, tell your doctor.
• Stopping the medication: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly after using it for a long time. Doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will tell you how to gradually reduce the dose and stop taking the medication.
• Constipation: This medicine may cause constipation. To prevent this , drink plenty of water and eat more fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains). If you do not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days, tell your doctor.
• Dry mouth: You may feel like your mouth is dry. This can be controlled by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, or drinking small amounts of water.

Let's learn about side effects.

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

If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, ask your doctor about them as well.

How to store and remove medicine safely?

• Keep out of reach of children: Do not leave this medicine within reach of children or pets. It can be fatal if they accidentally ingest it.
• Keep it in a safe place: Since this medicine is prone to misuse by some people (drug abuse), keep it in a safe place that can protect it from theft.
• Storage: Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
• Disposal: Don't just throw expired or unused medications in the trash. Dispose of any remaining medications by mixing them with something like cat litter or coffee grounds, placing them in a tightly sealed container, and discarding them.

I hope this information has helped you gain a better understanding of this medication. Remember, if you have any questions about this medication, never be afraid to ask your doctor.