We can't describe the pain we feel when we catch a cold, can we? We get a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, body aches, and sometimes a fever. So, as a one-stop solution to all of this, we often reach for an "all-in-one" syrup from the pharmacy. But have you ever wondered how this one-bottle medicine can control all these symptoms? Today, we'll talk about one such medicine.
What does this medicinal honey actually contain?
Simply put, it's a combination of four medications. Each one does a different job. Think of it like four players on the same team, all working together to combat your cold symptoms.
| Ingredients | The work that it does |
|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | This is the painkiller we all know called paracetamol. This medicine reduces your body's pain and fever. |
| Chlorpheniramine | This belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines. It controls allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. It may make you feel a little sleepy when you take it. |
| Dextromethorphan | This is a cough suppressant, especially helpful in controlling dry coughs without phlegm. |
| Phenylephrine | This is a decongestant medicine. It reduces nasal congestion and makes it difficult to breathe. |
The important thing is that this medicine only temporarily controls your symptoms. It cannot kill the virus or bacteria that caused the cold.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before using this type of medication, it is extremely important to inform your doctor if you have any health conditions, as this medication may interact with some medical conditions.
If you have any of the following conditions, do not take this medicine without consulting a doctor:
- Having asthma or a cough with excessive mucus.
- Diabetes .
- Glaucoma is an eye disease.
- Heart disease or high blood pressure .
- Liver disease or if you are a frequent drinker.
- Thyroid problems (Thyroid disease) .
- Difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- If you have taken a type of medicine called an MAOI (e.g. Carbex, Marplan, Nardil) for depression or another condition in the past two weeks.
- If you have an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in this medicine, to any other medicine, to any food, or to any preservative.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Using a medicine correctly has a huge impact on its results.
1. Shake well: Always shake the bottle well before use. This will help mix the ingredients well.
2. Correct measurement: Use only the measuring cup or special spoon that comes with the medicine to measure it. Never use teaspoons or tablespoons that you find in your kitchen. They are not accurate.
3. Correct dosage: Take the correct dosage at the correct time, as directed on the package. Do not take more or more frequently than recommended.
4. If giving to children: Although this medicine is sometimes recommended for children over 6 years of age, be sure to consult a pediatrician if giving it to a child.
What do you do if you drink too much by mistake?
This can be very dangerous, especially because of Acetaminophen (paracetamol). If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have taken more than you think, even if you have no symptoms, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Prompt treatment can prevent serious liver damage.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can cause dangerous reactions when taken with this honey. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Do not take these with anything. | |
|---|---|
| MAOIs (a type of medication for mental illness) | Ergot alkaloids (medicines used for migraines) |
| Cocaine | Stimulant medicines |
| Seek medical advice when taking these together. | |
| Alcohol | Medication for high blood pressure |
| Medication for mental calm or sleep | Heart medications (e.g. Nitroglycerin) |
| Other cold, cough, or allergy medications | Any other medicine containing acetaminophen (paracetamol) |
Things to be aware of and side effects when taking the medicine
There are some things you should be aware of when taking this medicine.
When to see a doctor immediately
- If your symptoms do not improve within a few days and get worse .
- If the fever lasts more than 3 days .
- If pain or nasal congestion lasts more than 7 days .
- If the cough is accompanied by fever, skin rash, or headache.
Common side effects
The chlorpheniramine in this medicine may make you feel drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded .
Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you. Drinking alcohol may increase this drowsiness.
If you experience the following side effects, stop taking the medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue | Chest pain or tightness |
| Rapid or irregular heartbeat | Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine you produce |
| Unusual weakness or fatigue | Yellowing of the eyes or skin (a sign of liver damage) |
Take-Home Message
- Read the label of any "all-in-one" medicine you take and find out what ingredients it contains.
- When taking this medicine, do not take any other medicine containing paracetamol (Acetaminophen) at the same time.
- If you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications, tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Avoid driving after taking the medicine as it may make you feel drowsy. Do not drink alcohol.
- If symptoms do not improve, worsen, or last more than a few days, seek medical advice.
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