When you have a cold, you have a constant cough, a runny nose, and a stuffy nose... How annoying it is when all of these come together? Sometimes, doctors prescribe a special medicine to control these symptoms. In this case, you are given a single pill that is made by combining several medicines together. Today, we are talking about such a combination medicine.
What is actually in this medicine?
Although it looks like one medicine, it's actually a combination of three main medicines. Each one does a different job. Simply put, it's a '3-in-1' medicine.
- Carbetapentane: This is a cough suppressant . It works by affecting the cough center in our brain, stopping frequent, painful coughs.
- Chlorpheniramine: This is an antihistamine, a type of allergy medicine. It helps control symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
- Phenylephrine: This is a decongestant . It temporarily constricts the blood vessels inside your nose, opening up your blocked nose and making it easier for you to breathe.
This medicine is usually used to control the symptoms of conditions such as colds, asthma, and bronchitis.
But remember one thing. This medicine only controls the symptoms. If you have a bacterial or viral infection in your body, this medicine cannot cure it. That requires separate treatment.
Things to tell your doctor before taking medication
It is very important that your doctor knows about your health before giving you this medicine. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Health status / other matters | Description |
|---|---|
| Asthma | If you have asthma. |
| Diabetes | If you are diabetic. |
| Difficulty urinating | Especially if you have difficulty urinating due to prostate problems. |
| Glaucoma | If you have glaucoma, a disease that causes increased pressure in the eye. |
| Heart disease and high blood pressure | If you have heart disease or high blood pressure. |
| Use of MAOI drugs | If you are taking MAOI medications such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate, which are used for mental illnesses. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to the ingredients in this medicine or to other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How should I use the medicine?
- Swallow this medicine with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the tablet.
- You can take this with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset or heartburn, it is best to take it with a meal or a glass of milk.
- Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
- If given to children: Although this medicine is sometimes prescribed for children over 12 years of age, be sure to consult your pediatrician.
- People over 65: Older people may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug (such as drowsiness), so they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
Overdose
If you accidentally take more medicine than prescribed, do not take it lightly. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What are the contraindications for using this medicine?
Some medications can interact with this medicine and cause dangerous side effects. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines).
| Do not take these with anything. | |
|---|---|
| MAOI type medication | Such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate. |
| Bromocriptine, Dihydroergotamine, Ergotamine | Medicines for migraines and other diseases. |
| Stimulant medicines | Medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), weight loss, or insomnia. |
| These may react (seek medical advice) | |
| Alcohol | Drowsiness and dizziness can be very severe. |
| Other medications that cause drowsiness | Sleeping pills, psychiatric medications, muscle relaxers, and narcotic pain medications. |
| Other cough, cold, or allergy medications | There is a risk of overdose because these may contain similar ingredients. |
What side effects can be seen?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some are common, while others can be serious.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, rapid breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Rapid, irregular heartbeat, chest pain. |
| Mental and neurological disorders | Seeing/hearing things that are not there (Hallucinations), severe restlessness, seizures, difficulty walking or speaking. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, changes in perception. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Drowsiness | This is most common during the early stages of taking the medication. |
| Dry mouth and eyes | Drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum can provide relief. |
| Stomach ache | Nausea, vomiting, stomach inflammation. |
| Insomnia | Some people may experience insomnia instead of drowsiness. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine only controls symptoms such as cough, phlegm, and nasal congestion. It does not cure an infection in the body.
- Before you start taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all other medical conditions you have and all other medicines you are taking .
- This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness . Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery while taking this medicine. Avoid drinking alcohol completely.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share the medicine prescribed for you with others.
- If a serious side effect occurs (difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe allergic reaction), seek medical advice immediately.
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