When you catch a cold, the body aches, cough, and fever that come with it can make you tired all day long, right? So at times like these, many of us buy medicine from a pharmacy in the hope of a quick recovery. But it is very important to know exactly about the medicines we are taking and use them safely. Otherwise, you will end up getting into more trouble while trying to cure the disease. Today, we will talk about a medicine that is a combination of two medicines that is given to control the symptoms of a cold.
What kind of medicine is this really?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Acetaminophen: This is the most commonly used painkiller for fever, body aches, and headaches. It is also the same ingredient in the well-known Panadol.
2. Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant.
So, the combination of these two helps control body aches, headaches, fever, and especially dry coughs that occur during colds. This usually comes in the form of a chewable tablet.
But it's important to remember this: This medicine does not kill the virus or bacteria that caused the cold. It does not cure the disease. It only temporarily controls the symptoms of the disease.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you use this medicine, be sure to inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have lung diseases like asthma or bronchitis.
- If you have a productive cough (this medicine is best for a dry cough, it is not good for stopping a productive cough).
- If you are a regular drinker.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have a rare genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU).
- If you have taken an MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) medication for depression (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) within the last 14 days . This is very important.
- If you have an allergic reaction to acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother.
How to use the medicine correctly?
Follow these instructions to get the most out of this medicine and avoid any risks.
- Chew and swallow: Since this is a chewable tablet, you should chew it thoroughly before swallowing .
- Follow the instructions: Take the medicine exactly as directed on the medicine package or as directed by your doctor. Take the correct dose at the correct time.
- Don't take too much: Never take more medicine than prescribed. Taking too much in the hope of "getting better quickly" can have dangerous consequences.
- If given to children: Doctors may sometimes prescribe this medicine even for children as young as 2 years old. However, never give this medicine to young children without medical advice. Only a doctor can determine the appropriate dosage for your child.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you or someone else has taken too much of this medicine, don't delay. Don't wait until you start to show symptoms. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Acetaminophen overdose can cause serious liver damage, so taking quick action can be life-saving.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, absolutely. Other medications you are taking may interact with this medicine and cause dangerous conditions.
| Drug Interactions | |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should not be taken with this medicine | |
| MAOI drugs | These are medications used to treat mental illness. (Ex: Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate). Avoid taking this medication for 14 days after stopping these. |
| Other things that can cause problems with this medicine | |
| Alcohol | Increases liver damage and increases drowsiness. |
| Other medicines containing acetaminophen | (Very important!) Other painkillers and cold medicines (e.g. Panadol) also contain these. Taking both together can increase the dose and cause liver damage. Always read the medicine label. |
| Other medications | Medicines such as furazolidone, imatinib, isoniazid, linezolid, procarbazine. |
Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
When should I see a doctor?
Even after taking medication, if the following conditions occur, seek medical advice immediately.
- If your symptoms do not improve at all or if they worsen .
- If the pain or cough persists for more than 5 days .
- If the fever lasts more than 3 days or if the fever increases.
- Cough that does not get better, persists, recurs, or is accompanied by a skin rash or headache.
- Sore throat lasting more than 2 days , or accompanied by symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.
| Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome: | |
|
Take-Home Message
- This medicine only controls the symptoms of the common cold, not the disease itself.
- Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have before taking medication.
- Never take this with other medicines containing acetaminophen (such as Panadol). It can cause liver damage. Always read the medicine label.
- If you suspect an overdose, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately, even if you are not showing symptoms.
- Take the prescribed dose, as directed. Avoid giving to young children without medical advice.
- If symptoms do not improve within a few days or worsen, be sure to see a doctor.
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