A runny nose, a cold, and a stuffy nose are all things that bother us, right? Parents know the pain they go through, especially when it comes to a young child. At times like these, a doctor may prescribe a syrup for you or your child. Today, we're talking about a commonly used medication that helps control the symptoms of colds and allergies.
What exactly is this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. That means one syrup contains two things that can help relieve several of your symptoms.
1. An antihistamine: This is called Brompheniramine . Imagine, when you have an allergy, your body produces a chemical called histamine. Your nose runs, your eyes itch, your body itches, and you sneeze because of that histamine. So what this antihistamine does is stop the action of that histamine. Then those annoying symptoms decrease.
2. A type of decongestant: This is called Phenylephrine . Do you know why your nose gets stuffy when you have a cold? It's because the tiny blood vessels inside your nose swell. This decongestant works by constricting (shrinking) those blood vessels and reducing the swelling. This opens up your stuffy nose and makes it easier for you to breathe.
The important thing is that this medicine only controls the symptoms. That means it doesn't kill the virus that causes the cold, like the one that caused it. It's like putting up an umbrella when it's raining. You can't stop the rain, but you can save yourself from getting wet.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell them about them . This is very important for your safety.
| Health condition/fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Existing medical conditions |
|
| Other medications being taken | If you have taken MAOI antidepressants such as Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate within the past 14 days. |
| Special occasions |
|
How should I use this medicine?
- Take exactly as prescribed: Take only the dose and frequency prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase the dose on your own.
- Measure accurately: This is where many people make mistakes. Don't use the teaspoons or rice spoons you have at home. They don't measure accurately. Use only the special cup, oral syringe, or dropper that comes with the medicine, marked in milliliters (ml).
- When given to children: This medicine is generally not recommended for children under 6 years of age. Even for children over 6 years of age, it should only be given on the advice of a doctor.
- Elderly: People over the age of 65 may experience a slightly stronger effect from this medication, so they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to a friend or family member who has the same symptoms as you.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications may cause unwanted reactions when taken with this syrup. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Don't take medicine with these! | |
|---|---|
| MAOI-type antidepressants (e.g. Marplan, Nardil, Parnate). | |
| You should be careful when taking these with you. | |
| Alcohol | Sedatives or sleeping pills |
| Other medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine) | Anticonvulsant medications (e.g. phenobarbital) |
| Anesthetic drugs used in surgery | Other antihistamines for colds |
| Some painkillers (narcotic pain medicines) | Muscle relaxants |
Things to consider when taking medication
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy . Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires concentration while taking this medicine. Be careful until you know how the medicine affects you.
- Don't get up too quickly: Getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position can make you feel dizzy. This is especially important for older people.
- Avoid alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect of this medication. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water can help.
- See your doctor: If your symptoms do not improve, if they worsen, or if you need to use this medicine for more than 7 days, talk to your doctor.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Increased blood pressure | Sudden headache, increased chest pain. |
| Other serious symptoms | Seizures , difficulty urinating. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Anxious | Dry mouth |
| Dizziness | Insomnia |
| Unusual tiredness | - |
Take-Home Message
- Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and only in the prescribed dosage.
- Do not use household teaspoons to measure medication, but use the special measuring device (syringe, cup) that comes with the medication.
- Inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- Avoid driving and activities that require alertness, as this medication may cause drowsiness.
- If a serious side effect occurs or symptoms do not improve, contact your doctor immediately.
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