We all know the discomfort of catching a cold. Headache, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, body aches, and sometimes a slight fever. So, at times like these, many of us are used to going to the pharmacy and asking for a single pill that works for all these ailments. We say, "Give me one for cold, cough, and fever." That's what we're going to talk about today. These are called 'Combination Medicines'. That is, a combination of several types of medicine. Although these are easy to use, it is very important to know about them for your health.
What is this 'combination' medicine?
Simply put, this is not a single medicine for one disease. It is a combination of several medicines, one pill, capsule, or syrup, that is designed to provide relief for several of your symptoms. A common cold medicine like this usually contains the following:
- Pain reliever and antipyretic: The most commonly used is acetaminophen . Paracetamol, which we all know, is also in this category. This is what helps reduce your body aches, headaches, and fever.
- Antihistamine: For example , chlorpheniramine . This is used to control allergy symptoms. That is, it reduces things like runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. Taking this type of medicine can make you feel a little drowsy and sleepy .
- Cough suppressant: For example , dextromethorphan . This works by temporarily suppressing the cough signal from the brain. It only stops the cough, not clears the mucus.
- A decongestant: For example , phenylephrine . This works by constricting the blood vessels in the nose, reducing nasal congestion and congestion.
The important thing is that these medications do not kill the virus that causes the common cold. Instead, they only temporarily control the discomfort and symptoms that you experience because of that virus.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Although these medications are available over the counter, they are not suitable for everyone. If you have certain medical conditions, using these medications can be dangerous. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
| Disease or condition | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease | The decongestant component of these medications can further increase blood pressure and heart rate. |
| Diabetes | Some medications can affect blood sugar levels. |
| Glaucoma condition | Antihistamine and decongestant ingredients can increase eye pressure and worsen glaucoma. |
| Asthma, cough with mucus, persistent cough | Cough suppressants can suppress mucus production and increase lung problems. |
| Liver disease or frequent alcohol consumption | Acetaminophen, which is contained in these medications, can have a negative effect on the liver. The risk is even greater if you already have liver disease or drink alcohol. |
| Thyroid disease | Some ingredients in these medications can affect the function of thyroid hormones. |
| Difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate) | Antihistamines and decongestants can make urination more difficult. |
| Being pregnant or breastfeeding | Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking any medication without medical advice. |
Be especially careful if you are taking MAOI medications!
If you have taken an MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) for a condition such as depression (e.g. Carbex, Marplan, Nardil) within the past two weeks, it is very dangerous to take these cold medicines. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about this.
How to use the medicine and what to be careful about
When taking this medicine, follow the instructions on the package exactly. Take the medicine with a glass of water. Take only the prescribed dose at the prescribed time. Never take more than the prescribed dose to "get well soon."
Warning: This medicine is for you only. Do not give your medicine to someone else just because it has worked for you. Even if they have the same symptoms, the medicine may be harmful to that person due to their other health conditions.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay . Do not wait until symptoms appear. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) as soon as possible. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Acetaminophen in particular can cause serious liver damage if taken in excess.
Other things that conflict with medication (Interactions)
Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and liver damage. Also, tell your doctor if you are taking other cold, cough, or allergy medications.
Please note: This medicine already contains a painkiller (Acetaminophen). Therefore, do not take other medicines such as Paracetamol or Panadol while taking this medicine. Doing so may increase the dose of Acetaminophen in the body and cause serious liver damage. Read the medicine label carefully. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, this medication can cause side effects in some people. While some of these are normal, others require immediate medical attention.
| Side effect | Action to be taken |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue (Allergic reaction) | These may be signs of a severe allergic reaction. Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Chest pain, tightness, rapid or irregular heartbeat | This may affect the heart. See a doctor immediately. |
| Severe dizziness, restlessness, insomnia | This may be an effect on the nervous system. Inform the doctor. |
| Difficulty urinating or change in the amount of urine | Notify the doctor immediately. |
| Yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bruising | These may be signs of liver damage. See a doctor immediately. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness, intoxication | Avoid driving or operating machinery until your body adjusts to the medication. |
| Dry mouth and eyes | Drink water or sugar-free liquids. |
| Stomach discomfort, loss of appetite | This can be reduced by taking the medicine with or after a meal. |
Take-Home Message
- 'Combination' medicine for the common cold is a combination of several medicines. It only relieves symptoms, but does not cure the disease.
- If you have other health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or liver disease, be sure to consult a doctor before taking this medication.
- When taking this medicine, avoid taking other medicines containing Acetaminophen, such as Paracetamol (Panadol), as it is very harmful to the liver.
- You may feel drowsy and dizzy after taking the medicine. Therefore, avoid driving and doing tasks that require concentration .
- If the fever does not go down for more than 3 days, if symptoms persist for more than 7 days, or if symptoms worsen, see a doctor immediately.
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