Oh, this cold, body aches, and cough are something that no one wants. Sometimes, all of these come at once. Then, all we do is look for quick relief. Today, we are going to talk about a medicine that is used in such times, and is made by combining all four ingredients in one medicine.
What is this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of four medicines. That means you can get several reliefs from one pill or syrup. Imagine, instead of taking separate medicines for each illness that comes with a cold, this is like finding a solution to several of those problems at once.
Here are the four types of medications:
1. Acetaminophen: This is what reduces your fever, body aches, and headaches. It is also found in the medicines we all know as Panadol and Paracetamol.
2. Chlorpheniramine: This is a type of antihistamine . Simply put, it controls allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and itchy nose and throat.
3. Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant. It is often helpful for especially painful, dry coughs. It works by affecting the cough center in the brain.
4. Pseudoephedrine: This is a decongestant . This means it reduces nasal congestion and mucus buildup, making it easier to breathe. It does this by constricting the small blood vessels in the nose.
So when you combine these four, you get relief from some of the most annoying symptoms of a cold. This medicine can come under many different brand names, for example, you may have heard of `(Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough)`, `(Contact Severe Cold and Flu)`, `(Genacol)`, `(Tylenol Cold Nighttime)`. But the most important thing to remember is that this medicine only controls the symptoms, it does not kill the virus or bacteria that cause the disease. It's like holding a sink when there's a leak in the roof of a house, the problem is temporarily solved, but you have to do something else to fix the hole in the roof.
What should I tell the doctor before using this medicine?
Okay, now there are a few things you should definitely tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication. Because not all medications work for everyone. Some people may experience side effects from the ingredients in this medication, or it may interact with other medications they are already taking.
If you have any of these conditions, inform your doctor:
- Asthma: If you have asthma.
- Persistent cough: A cough that does not subside for several days.
- A cough with a lot of mucus: A cough with a lot of mucus that is difficult to clear.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes.
- Glaucoma: A condition in which pressure in the eyes increases.
- Heart disease: If you have heart disease (e.g. irregular heartbeat, heart attack).
- High blood pressure: If the pressure is high.
- If you are a regular drinker.
- Liver disease: If there is any problem with the liver (e.g. cirrhosis).
- If you have taken a `MAOI` (MAOI - Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) type of medicine within the past 14 days: These are medicines like `(Carbex)`, `(Eldepryl)`, `(Marplan)`, `(Nardil)`, `(Parnate)`. These are a type of medicine usually given for conditions like depression.
- Thyroid disease: (e.g. overactive thyroid gland - hyperthyroidism).
- Difficulty urinating: If you have difficulty urinating (often due to an enlarged prostate gland in men).
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction or unusual reaction to any of the ingredients in this medicine (Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
It's very important to tell these things. Because then the doctor can decide whether this medicine is right for you or not, or if there is something else you need to be concerned about. Telling them about your health without hiding it is a help to yourself.
How do you use this medicine correctly?
This medicine is to be taken by mouth, with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the medicine packet or bottle exactly. Take it at the right time, in the right amount. Never take more than your doctor tells you to or more than what is on the label. Taking more can increase the risk of side effects and can be dangerous.
If you give it to children...
This medicine can sometimes be given to children as young as 6 years old, under special circumstances. However, it is essential to consult a pediatrician and give it exactly as he or she recommends. You need to be very careful when giving medicine to young children, and do not give it on your own. The amount of medicine varies depending on the weight and age of the child.
What to do if you drink too much? (`Overdosage`)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call your nearest emergency room or poison control center immediately. Treat this as an emergency. It is important to act quickly, even before symptoms appear.
A very important note:
This medicine has been prescribed for you only (or you have taken it for your own use). Never share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Everyone's body and health are different, so one medicine does not work for everyone.
What if I miss my medication?
If you accidentally forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, if you are taking a dose every 4 hours and it is only an hour until your next dose), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once or take an extra dose for any reason. Doing so may cause side effects.
What other medications may interact with this medication?
This is also a very important point. The medicine you take for this cold may 'interact' with some other medicines you are taking. That is, taking those medicines together may cause bad effects, or the effectiveness of one medicine may change.
Do not take this cold medicine with the following medications:
- Cocaine
- Ergot alkaloids : Examples include `(dihydroergotamine)`, `(ergonovine)`, `(ergotamine)`, `(methylergonovine). These are given for some conditions such as gout.
- `MAOI` type medications: As mentioned earlier, `(Carbex)`, `(Eldepryl)`, `(Marplan)`, `(Nardil)`, `(Parnate)` etc. If you are using these, you should stop taking the `MAOI` medication for at least 14 days before taking this cold medicine.
- Stimulant medicines: For example, dextroamphetamine.
Also, this cold medicine may interact with the following medications:
- Alcohol
- `Bretylium`
- `Furazolidone`
- `Imatinib`
- Isoniazid – This is a medicine used to treat tuberculosis.
- `Linezolid`
- `Mecamylamine`
- Medicines for anxiety or sleep (such as diazepam)
- Medicines for blood pressure: For example, `(atenolol)`, `(clonidine)`, `(doxazosin)`, `(methyldopa)`, `(metoprolol)`.
- Medicines for chest pain: For example, `(isosorbide dinitrate)`, `(nitroglycerin)`.
- Medicines for enlarged prostate: For example, tamsulosin.
- Medicines for sleep during surgery
- Other medicines for cold, cough or allergy – because they may also contain the same ingredients as this medicine.
- Other medications containing acetaminophen – I will explain more about this later.
- `Procarbazine`
- `Reserpine`
- St. John's Wort – This is an herb that some people take for mental well-being.
This list may not be complete. Therefore, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines (prescribed or over-the-counter), herbal products, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking. Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs, as some of these may interact with this medicine.
Things to be careful about when taking this medicine
There are a few things you need to be careful about while using this medicine.
- If your symptoms don't improve, or seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor.
- If you have body aches, a stuffy nose, or a cough for more than 7 days , or if they get worse, see a doctor.
- If you have a fever for more than 3 days , or if the fever is getting worse, call your doctor .
- If your cough lasts more than 2 days , if it subsides and then comes back, or if your cough is accompanied by a fever, rash, headache, nausea, or vomiting, be sure to see a doctor.
Drowsiness and dizziness:
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other activities that require alertness until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
Don't stand or sit up suddenly, especially if you're elderly. Doing so will reduce the chance of dizziness and falling.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication and may increase side effects.
Special attention to acetaminophen!
This is a very, very important thing to remember. This cold medicine contains acetaminophen. Therefore, when taking this medicine, do not take any other medicine that contains acetaminophen (e.g. Panadol, Paracetamol). Always read the label carefully. If you have any doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take too much acetaminophen, it can be very dangerous and can even cause liver damage. If you don't have any symptoms but think you've taken too much acetaminophen, seek medical advice immediately. It's very important.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone will experience them, but it's good to be aware of them.
If any of these things happen, you should tell your doctor or a healthcare professional as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue.
- Chest pain, tightness.
- Dizziness, nervousness, insomnia.
- Fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat.
- Trouble passing urine, or a change in the amount of urine.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Feeling unusually weak or tired.
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (this may be a sign of jaundice).
These side effects are usually not serious, but if they persist, and if they bother you, tell your doctor :
- Drowsiness
- Dry eyes, mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach upset, like indigestion
Not all side effects listed in this list may occur. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, consult your doctor.
How should I store this medicine?
The way you store this medicine is also important.
- Keep them out of reach of children. This is very important, as children may see these as toys and may pick them up and put them in their mouths.
- Store at room temperature. That is, between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not store in places that are very hot or very cold. It is also not good to store in places with high humidity, such as the bathroom.
- Do not use expired medicine. Throw away expired medicine.
An important message for you.
Okay, so I hope you now have a good understanding of the combination of medicines we talked about today for symptoms like colds, fevers, and coughs.
Finally, a few things to remember:
- This medicine only relieves symptoms, it does not completely cure the disease.
- Before taking this medicine , be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking.
- Since it contains acetaminophen, do not take it with other medications that contain acetaminophen. Taking too much can cause liver damage.
- Follow the instructions on the medicine label/packet exactly. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- If symptoms do not improve, worsen, or new symptoms appear, do not delay seeking medical advice.
- This article has been provided for general information only. You should consult your doctor for the most accurate advice regarding your health condition.
So, take care and get well soon!
` Cold, fever, cough, phlegm, medicine, drugs, acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, pseudoephedrine, side effects
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