When you have a fever, a cold, a body ache, and a cough all at once, there is often a special medicine that we buy from the pharmacy and take, right? Many people are used to this because it provides relief from all these with a single pill. But before using this medicine, it is very good for the body to be aware of it. Today we are talking about that medicine.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
This is actually a combination of three medications. That means that the same pill contains three things that will provide relief for several of your symptoms. Let's see what they are.
- Acetaminophen: This is the painkiller we all know as Paracetamol. It controls your fever and body aches.
- Chlorpheniramine: This belongs to the antihistamine class. Simply put, it controls allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing that occur when you have a cold.
- Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant. It helps to stop a painful, dry cough that can cause headaches.
The most important thing is that this medicine only controls your symptoms. It does not cure a viral or bacterial infection in your body.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you use this medicine, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any underlying health conditions, as this type of medicine is not suitable for everyone.
| Health condition/habit | Why should we be informed? |
|---|---|
| Liver or Kidney Disease | This medication is eliminated from the body through the liver and kidneys, so if those organs are weak, the effects of the medication may be increased. |
| Glaucoma | Can increase eye pressure. |
| Lung diseases such as asthma or COPD | Breathing difficulties may increase. |
| Prostate Disease | It can cause difficulty urinating. |
| Stomach ulcers or intestinal problems | These conditions can become severe. |
| Having a drinking habit | The risk of liver damage is very high. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | Medical advice is essential as it may affect the baby. |
| Allergies to other medications or foods | There is also a possibility of an allergic reaction to this medicine. |
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine with a glass of water. Take only the prescribed dose as directed on the label or package. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
This medicine is not usually used daily. It is taken as needed only when symptoms occur.
If you give it to children...
A doctor may sometimes prescribe this medicine for children over the age of 12. However, you should definitely consult a doctor about it and give it exactly the dosage he recommends .
If you take an old person...
If you are over 65, your body may respond differently to medications, so you may need a lower dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, don't delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Don't wait until symptoms appear.
Drugs that should not be taken with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
If you are taking medication for another condition, you need to be very careful about this. This medicine can react with some other medications and cause dangerous conditions.
| Do not take this medicine with any other medicine. | |
|---|---|
| |
| You may react with these - tell your doctor. | |
|
This list is not complete. Therefore, it is safest to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including vitamins and herbal remedies .
Things to consider when taking medication
Special warning about Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)!
This is the most important thing. This medicine already contains paracetamol. Therefore , when taking this medicine, do not take any other medicines like paracetamol, Panadol, Calpol. Imagine, if you take this medicine and think that your fever is not yet reduced and take two more Panadol pills, the amount of paracetamol that enters your body will increase significantly.
Overdose of paracetamol can cause serious damage to your liver. It can be life-threatening. If you have no symptoms but suspect you have taken too much paracetamol, seek medical advice immediately.
Drowsiness and dizziness
The chlorpheniramine in this medicine may make you feel sleepy or dizzy . Therefore, after taking this medicine:
- Avoid driving.
- Don't operate the machinery.
- Don't engage in work that requires a lot of attention.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely. Taking this medication with alcohol can make drowsiness and dizziness very severe.
Possible severe skin reactions
Although very rare, some people may develop a severe skin reaction to this medicine. If you experience symptoms such as fever or chills, along with red or purple blisters, blistering, or peeling skin, see a doctor immediately.
Dry mouth
Your mouth may feel dry when taking the medication. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on a candy bar, and drinking plenty of water can help.
Side effects that require immediate medical attention
If you experience any of the symptoms below, it could be a serious condition. So seek medical advice immediately.
| Serious side effects (seek medical advice immediately) |
|---|
|
| Common side effects (tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome) |
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Take-Home Message
- This medicine is a combination of three medicines that provide relief from fever, cold symptoms, and cough.
- When using this, avoid taking separate paracetamol (such as Panadol) altogether. It can cause liver damage.
- Avoid driving or drinking alcohol as you may feel drowsy after taking the medicine.
- If you are taking medication for other conditions or are pregnant, be sure to consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a serious side effect such as severe skin blistering, yellowing of the eyes, or difficulty breathing.
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