Let's learn about this medicine for migraines and headaches (Acetaminophen; Dichloralphenazone; Isometheptene)

Let's learn about this medicine for migraines and headaches (Acetaminophen; Dichloralphenazone; Isometheptene)

Sometimes the headache is unbearable, isn't it? Especially when you have a severe headache like a migraine, you can't even do your daily tasks. So today we are talking about a special painkiller that is prescribed by doctors at times like these, made by combining several ingredients. It is very important that you are fully aware of this medicine.

What kind of medicine is this?

Simply put, it's a painkiller. But not like a regular painkiller. It's a combination of three main drugs. They are Acetaminophen , Dichloralphenazone , and Isometheptene . The combined action of all three of these drugs helps control your severe headaches, especially migraines and tension headaches.

The doctor is prescribing this medicine for you to relieve severe pain like this. This medicine may come under different brand names.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before using this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell him if you have any of the following conditions:

Do you have these conditions? Why is notification important?
Glaucoma This medicine may increase eye pressure.
Heart disease, recent heart attack, or high blood pressure Some of the ingredients in the medicine can affect blood vessels and heart rate.
Kidney or liver disease The health of these organs affects the process of removing drugs from the body.
If you are a frequent drinker Taking this medication with alcohol can cause severe liver damage.
Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant It is mandatory to seek medical advice about the use of medications during pregnancy.
If a mother is breastfeeding her child You should be aware of the possibility of the drug passing to the baby through breast milk.
If you have allergies to other medicines, foods, or substances It is important to know if you are allergic to anything contained in this medicine.

How should I use the medicine?

When using this medicine, follow the instructions given by your doctor and the instructions on the medicine package exactly.

  • Swallow this medicine (capsule) with a glass of water.
  • For migraine: Do not take more than 5 capsules within a 12-hour period.
  • For headaches caused by stress: Do not take more than 8 capsules per day.
  • Never take more medication than your doctor prescribes or more frequently.

Attention: Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay . Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital (get the phone number from your doctor). Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to a friend or family member, even if they have a headache. It can be dangerous.

Can this interact with other medications? (Drug Interactions)

Yes, this medicine may interact with some other medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, Ayurvedic/Sinhala medicines, and supplements).

Do not take these with any medications!

  • MAOIs (a type of medication used to treat mental illness)
  • Bromocriptine
  • Disulfiram
  • Procarbazine

These things can also cause problems (inform your doctor)

  • Alcohol
  • Other medicines containing Acetaminophen/Paracetamol
  • Blood pressure medication
  • Medications that cause drowsiness (sleeping pills, allergy medications)
  • Some medications for depression or anxiety
  • Warfarin (a medicine used to prevent blood clotting)

Things to consider when taking medication

Be careful with Paracetamol!

This medicine contains acetaminophen . This is also what we commonly use as paracetamol . Therefore, do not take any other type of paracetamol (e.g. Panadol, Calpol) while taking this medicine. If you do, you may overdose on paracetamol and cause serious damage to your liver .

Drowsiness and dizziness

You may feel drowsy or dizzy after taking this medicine. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine. Be careful about this until you know exactly how the medicine affects you. Especially if you are an elderly person, do not get up or sit down suddenly.

Medication Overuse Headache

This is something that many people don't know, but it's very important. If you take this type of headache medication for more than 10 days a month , the medication can make your headaches worse and more frequent. Therefore, it's a good idea to keep a diary of the days you have headaches and the days you take the medication. If you notice that your headaches are getting more frequent, talk to your doctor right away.

What are the possible side effects?

Like all medications, this one can have side effects.

Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately

  • Skin rash , itching, hives
  • Allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Fever, sore throat
  • Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth)
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak

Things to tell your doctor if they are usually not serious, but persist

  • Headache (persistent despite medication)
  • Nausea (feeling sick)
  • Stomach upset

How to store the medicine?

  • Keep it safe, out of the reach of children .
  • This medicine is susceptible to misuse, so keep it in a safe place to protect it from thieves .
  • Store tightly closed at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius).
  • Throw away expired medications.

Take-Home Message

  • You should only take this medicine if your doctor prescribes it, and exactly as directed.
  • Do not take more than the prescribed dose (especially the maximum amount that can be taken in 12 hours or in a day).
  • Do not take any other medicine containing paracetamol (Acetaminophen) while taking this medicine.
  • Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and all medical conditions you have.
  • If a serious side effect occurs, seek medical advice immediately.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Avoid driving as it may cause drowsiness.

Migraine, Headache, Painkillers, Acetaminophen, Paracetamol, Side Effects, Tension Headache

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