Are you aware of these medications for colds? (Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

We don't need to talk about the amount of trouble we get when we get a cold. We have a runny nose, sneezing, body aches, a slight fever, and on top of that, we have a persistent cough. So, how great would it be if we could get a solution to all of this in one bottle of medicine? When we go to the pharmacy, there are so many medicines that come in the same bottle, saying "for cold, cough, and flu." Today, we are talking about one such commonly used combination medicine.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, this is a combination of three medications. That means there are three main functions in one medication. Let's see what they are.

1. Acetaminophen: This is something that many people are familiar with. It is also the same ingredient in Panadol, which we commonly use for fever and body aches. So, the acetaminophen in this compound reduces fever and relieves pain.

2. Chlorpheniramine: This belongs to the class of drugs called antihistamines. Simply put, it is used to control allergy symptoms. It helps control things like runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes during a cold.

3. Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant. It works by suppressing the cough center in the brain, reducing the frequent, painful, dry cough.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Since this medicine can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription, some people think that anyone can use it in any way they want. But that is a misconception. If you have any of the following health problems, you should definitely talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

• Liver or kidney disease: Acetaminophen, an ingredient in this medicine, is primarily processed by the liver. If you have a weak liver, this medicine can cause serious liver damage. It can also affect people with kidney disease.
• Asthma or other respiratory diseases (COPD): If you have a disease like asthma, sometimes the antihistamine in this medicine can thicken the mucus and make it difficult to cough it up.
• Glaucoma: This condition, which causes increased pressure in the eye, may be exacerbated by chlorpheniramine.
• Prostate problems: This medication may make urination more difficult, especially in older men with enlarged prostates.
• Digestive system problems: Tell your doctor if you have any problems with your intestines, such as ulcers.
• If you are a regular alcohol drinker: The potential for liver damage when combined with alcohol is very high.
• If you are taking MAOI medications: These are a type of medication used to treat conditions such as depression (e.g. Marplan, Nardil). It is very dangerous to take this cold medicine within two weeks of taking an MAOI medication.
• If you are a pregnant mother or are planning to become pregnant: During this time, take any medication only on the advice of a doctor.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: The ingredients in this medicine can pass to your baby through breast milk.
• If you have allergies to other medicines, foods, or substances.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

For a medicine to work properly, it must be taken in the correct dosage and in the correct way.

• Shake well: Since this is a syrup, you need to shake the bottle well before using it. This will ensure that the ingredients are well mixed and that each dose contains the same amount.
• Use the correct measure: This is the most important thing. Use only the special spoon, cup, or syringe (dropper) that comes with the medicine bottle, marked in milliliters (ml). Do not measure medicine with the tea spoon or the spoon we use to make food at home. They are not accurate. If you do, you may either get less medicine and the medicine will not work, or you may get more medicine and have dangerous side effects.
• When given to children: Although this medicine is sometimes recommended for children over 6 years of age, it should only be given on medical advice. The dosage varies depending on the weight and age of the child.
• If you are over 65 years of age: Older people may experience more severe side effects (such as drowsiness and dizziness), so a lower dose is usually recommended.

What to do if you overdose?

If you think you've taken more medicine than you think, even if you don't have any symptoms, you should take action immediately. Acetaminophen overdose can cause severe liver damage, and symptoms may not appear for hours.

Therefore, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Alternatively, call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other medications that should not be taken with this medicine

Some medications can affect each other when taken together. This is called Drug Interactions. Therefore, if you are taking this cold medicine, be especially careful with the following medications.

This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products) .

Other things to consider when taking the medicine

• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• Acetaminophen Danger: This is something that needs to be reminded again and again.

• Serious skin reactions: Rarely, some people may develop serious skin reactions after using this medicine for several weeks. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop red or purple blisters on your skin along with fever, body aches, peeling skin, or swelling of your face or lips.
• Dry mouth: It is common to experience dry mouth with this medication. This can be managed by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on a candy bar, or drinking frequent sips of water.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects. Some of them are serious, some are not so serious.

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