What you need to know about over-the-counter cold medicine (Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine)

When you catch a cold, you feel weak and have a fever, your nose is blocked and it's hard to breathe, isn't it? Your head is heavy, and your body aches so much that you can't do anything. At times like these, many of us buy medicine from the pharmacy in the hope of quick relief. This is a combination of three medicines that usually comes in the form of a powder.

What exactly is this collection of medicines?

Simply put, this is a combination of three medications, each of which does a different job.

1. Acetaminophen: This is a fever and pain reliever. It is the same ingredient in Panadol that we all know. It provides relief from body aches, headaches, and fever.

2. Chlorpheniramine: This belongs to the group of antihistamines. It is a medicine that controls allergy symptoms. It controls things like runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.

3. Phenylephrine: This is a decongestant. It works by shrinking the swollen blood vessels inside the nose, which reduces nasal congestion and makes it easier to breathe.

So, when all three of these are combined, many of the symptoms of a cold can be relieved with a single medicine.

Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Although this can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy, it is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, if you have any of the following medical conditions, you should definitely talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

• If you have diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus)
• If you have high blood pressure
• If you have heart disease
• If you have liver disease or kidney disease
• If you have the eye disease glaucoma
• If you have thyroid disease
• If you have lung diseases such as asthma or COPD
• If you have prostate gland problems
• If you have stomach ulcers or other intestinal problems
• If you are a regular drinker
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• If you are a breastfeeding mother
• Most importantly: If you have taken a medication for mental illness that belongs to the MAOI class (e.g. Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate) within the past 14 days, do not take this medication for any reason.
• If you have an allergic reaction to these medications or any other medicine, food, or dye.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

This usually comes in the form of an umbrella in a small package. This is how it should be used.

• Read the label on the packet carefully.
• Open the packet and place the powder directly on your tongue.
• You don't need to drink water. Just let the powder dissolve on your tongue.
• Never use more than the amount or frequency recommended on the label.

If you are giving this medicine to children under 12 years of age , be sure to seek medical advice. Also, if you are over 65 , this medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so a lower dose may be prescribed. Talk to your doctor about that as well.

What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)

If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, do not take it lightly. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Do not wait until symptoms appear.

Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine

• Acetaminophen Dangers: This is the most important thing. This medicine contains acetaminophen. Therefore, do not take any other medicine containing acetaminophen (e.g. Panadol, Paracetamol) while taking this. Unknowingly taking too much acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage. Read the label carefully to see if any other medicines you are taking contain these. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
• Drowsiness: This medication may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until you know how this medication affects you. Taking this medication with alcohol may increase drowsiness.
• Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. The combination of alcohol and acetaminophen is very harmful to the liver.
• Skin reactions: Rarely, some people may develop serious skin reactions even weeks after using this medicine. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a red or purple rash on your body, accompanied by fever, body aches, and blisters that peel off, or if you notice a red rash with swelling of the face or lips.
• Dry mouth: It is common to experience dry mouth with this medication. This can be relieved by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, or drinking small amounts of water frequently.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. The table below will give you a clear idea of ​​this.

Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)

If you are taking this medicine, it may interact with the following medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including those for other conditions, vitamins, and traditional medicines).

• MAOI drugs: (as mentioned earlier) these should not be taken at all.
• Alcohol
• Medication for anxiety or sleep
• Some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine)
• Some medications for seizures (e.g. phenobarbital)
• Medicines to prevent blood clots (e.g. warfarin)
• Medications given to induce sleep during surgery
• Other antihistamines for colds or allergies
• Phenothiazines are drugs used to treat certain mental illnesses.

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