When we have a cold, or when we feel a little weak or have a fever, we often go to the nearest pharmacy and ask for a pill called 'for colds and body aches'. Many of the medicines we take like this may contain two compounds called Acetaminophen and Chlorpheniramine. These are a combination of two drugs. So today, let's talk about this type of medicine and what we need to be careful about when using it.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Acetaminophen: This is something you probably know well. That's why we call it Paracetamol. It works by reducing pain and fever.
2. Chlorpheniramine: This is an antihistamine . That is, it controls things like sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes caused by allergies.
So, when these two are combined, they provide relief from a host of symptoms such as body aches, headaches, fever, sneezing, and runny nose that come with colds and flu. This combination can be found under various brand names in Sri Lanka.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
If you have any of the following health conditions, you should definitely talk to your doctor before using this medicine. It is not a good idea to just buy it from the pharmacy and drink it.
This medicine may not be compatible with some medical conditions, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions.
| See if you have these conditions |
|---|
| Intestinal obstruction or other digestive system problems |
| Glaucoma |
| Frequent drinking habit |
| Kidney disease |
| Liver disease |
| Lung diseases (e.g. asthma, COPD) |
| Prostate disease |
| Stomach ulcers |
| Allergies to this medicine, other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother |
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine with a glass of water. Take it exactly as directed on the label or box. Never take more than the prescribed dose.
When given to children and adults
This medicine is sometimes given to children over the age of 6, but only on the advice of a doctor. People over the age of 65 may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger. So they may need a lower dose. Talk to your doctor about this too.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not waste time and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Even if you do not show symptoms, taking too much Acetaminophen is very dangerous.
This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
Interactions with other medications
This medicine may interact with other medicines you are taking. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, especially if you are using any of the following:
| Type of medicine/substance | Description |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | It can alter the effect of the medication and increase drowsiness. |
| Medication for mental calm or sleep | Drowsiness and dizziness may be very severe. |
| Some medications for depression | Ex: Amitriptyline, Fluoxetine, Sertraline |
| Some medications given for seizures | Ex: Phenobarbital, Primidone |
| Medications to prevent blood clots | Ex: Warfarin |
| Anesthetic drugs | Things used in surgery. |
| Other types of antihistamines | Other cough, cold, and allergy medications. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, or traditional medicine you take.
Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine
- Paracetamol Dangers: This is the most important thing. Do not take any other medicine containing Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) with this medicine. These are found in cold medicine packets, Panadol, and painkillers sold in pharmacies. You can unknowingly take too much Paracetamol. Therefore, read the label carefully before taking any medicine. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
- Liver damage: Taking too much acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage. Even if you don't have any symptoms, seek medical attention immediately if you take too much.
- Drowsiness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore , do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires alertness while taking this medicine. Especially if you are an elderly person, you should avoid getting up and sitting down quickly, as you are more likely to fall.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. It can increase drowsiness and liver damage.
- Skin allergies: Very rarely, some people may experience serious skin reactions. If you have a fever, body aches, red, scaly skin rash, blisters, or peeling skin, or if you have a rash on your face, lips, neck, or armpits, see a doctor immediately.
Possible side effects
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, feeling lethargic, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes or skin. |
| Blistering or peeling skin | Redness, blistering, and peeling of the skin, including inside the mouth. |
| Difficulty urinating | Difficulty urinating or passing urine less frequently. |
| Seizures | Sudden convulsions. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | Mild drowsiness or dizziness. |
| Dry mouth | Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking water may help. |
| Insomnia | Some people may experience sleep disturbances. |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine contains both Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) and Chlorpheniramine, which helps relieve cold symptoms.
- If you have other medical conditions (especially liver, kidney, glaucoma) or are taking other medications, be sure to consult a doctor before using this.
- Do not take this medicine with any other medicine containing Paracetamol (e.g. Panadol). An accidental overdose may result in liver damage.
- The medicine may make you drowsy. Therefore, do not drive or do anything that requires attention.
- If you overdose or develop a severe skin reaction, do not waste time and go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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