It goes without saying that we feel uncomfortable when we catch a cold. Headaches, body aches, stuffy nose and difficulty breathing, and the accompanying cough... all of these things come together and are very annoying. So, at times like these, many of us go to the pharmacy and ask for a single pill that will cure all these symptoms. We call these 'Combination Drugs'. That is, pills that are made by combining several types of drugs to provide relief from several symptoms. Today we are talking about one such commonly used type of medicine.
What does this medicine contain?
This medication is not really one drug. It's a combination of three main medications. Let's take a look at what they are and what they do.
1. Acetaminophen: Although the name may sound unfamiliar, this is the paracetamol we all know. It is used to reduce fever and relieve pain such as body aches and headaches.
2. Guaifenesin: This is an ``Expectorant'' type of medicine. Simply put, it works by loosening thick mucus in the chest and helping it to be coughed out more easily . Therefore, it is best suited for phlegmy, chesty coughs. Not for dry, tickly coughs.
3. Phenylephrine: This is a ``decongestant'' type of medicine. When you have a cold, the blood vessels inside your nose swell, causing your nose to become blocked. This medicine works by temporarily constricting those blood vessels, reducing nasal congestion and making it easier to breathe .
The most important thing is that this medicine only controls the symptoms of the common cold. It does not cure a viral or bacterial infection in the body.
Things you should consider before taking this medicine
Before taking this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions or conditions. This will help him decide whether this medicine is right for you or if you need to take another medicine.
| Condition/Occasion | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Some medications can affect blood sugar levels. |
| High Blood Pressure | Phenylephrine can further increase blood pressure. |
| Heart Disease | It can affect heart rate. |
| Glaucoma | Eye pressure can increase. |
| Thyroid Disease | Symptoms may worsen. |
| Prostate Disease | Difficulty urinating may occur. |
| Taking MAOI medications | These are medications used to treat depression. If you are taking these medications, you should not have taken an MAOI within the past 2 weeks. |
| Being pregnant or breastfeeding | Medical advice is essential as it may affect the baby. |
How should I use the medicine?
When using this medicine, read the instructions on the medicine package carefully. It is usually advised to take these with a glass of water . Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time. Never take more than the recommended dose.
If you are giving this medicine to children, especially those under 12 years of age, you should definitely consult a pediatrician. Also, people over 65 years of age may need a lower dose because their bodies may respond differently to this medicine.
What to do if you take too much medicine (overdose)?
This is very important. If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Taking too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage. Therefore, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications and foods can react with this medicine and cause dangerous conditions.
Warning: If you are taking this medicine, do not take any other medicine containing paracetamol (Acetaminophen) (e.g. Panadol, Panadin) at the same time. Always read the label before taking any medicine. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
| Things that can cause problems | Description |
|---|---|
| Things you should never buy | |
| MAOI type medication | Blood pressure can rise very severely. |
| Ergot Alkaloids (medicines used for migraines) | It can affect blood pressure and heart rate. |
| Things to discuss with your doctor if you are taking it | |
| Alcohol | The risk of liver damage is very high when combined with paracetamol. |
| Medication for mental illness | Side effects may increase. |
| Medications for blood pressure and heart disease | It may interfere with the effectiveness of medications. |
| Blood thinners such as Warfarin | The risk of bleeding may increase. |
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| • Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. | • Difficulty breathing. |
| • Chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat. | • Extreme dizziness, feeling like you might lose consciousness. |
| • Seizures. | • Yellowing of the eyes or skin (Jaundice). |
| • Difficulty urinating. | • Unusual bleeding or bruising. |
| Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor. | |
| • Headache | • Stomach upset, nausea |
| • Loss of appetite | • Insomnia |
How should you store your medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children . If a small child swallows a pill like this, it can be fatal. Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not use expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- This type of medicine is a combination of several medications that provide relief from several symptoms.
- When taking this medicine, do not take any other medicine containing paracetamol (Acetaminophen) at the same time. Always read the label.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes) and all other medications you are taking.
- Never exceed the recommended dose. Taking too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage.
- If you suspect an overdose or if you experience a serious side effect, seek medical advice immediately (go to the ETU or call the National Poisons Information Centre).
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