There are days when you can't do anything because of a constant cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing due to a stuffy nose. It's very annoying at times. This condition can be caused by an allergy, or it can be caused by a cold. So, one type of medicine that doctors prescribe to control these symptoms is a pill made by combining two ingredients called Carbetapentane and Pseudoephedrine. Let's talk about this in a little more detail today.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Carbetapentane: This is used to control your cough. We have a cough center in our brain. This medicine works by controlling the activity of that center a little, stopping the persistent, painful, dry cough.
2. Pseudoephedrine: This is what gives you relief from stuffy nose and runny nose. This is called a decongestant. A stuffy nose occurs when the tiny blood vessels inside your nose become swollen. This medicine works by shrinking those blood vessels, reducing swelling and making it easier to breathe.
But remember this: This medicine only controls symptoms. That means it reduces things like coughs and colds. It does not cure a viral or bacterial infection in your body. That may require separate treatment.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history before prescribing this medication to you, as it can be dangerous to use this medication with certain medical conditions.
| Tell your doctor if you have these conditions. | Why is that? (Simple explanation) |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Pseudoephedrine can slightly change blood sugar levels. |
| High Blood Pressure | This medicine may increase blood pressure. |
| Heart Disease | Not suitable for heart patients as it can increase heart rate. |
| Glaucoma | It can increase the pressure inside the eyes. |
| Thyroid Disease | People with high thyroid hormone levels may experience problems. |
| Difficulty urinating | Urinary retention may increase, especially in men with an enlarged prostate. |
| If you have taken MAOI medication in the past 14 days | This is very important. MAOIs (e.g. Carbex, Marplan, Nardil) are a type of medication used to treat conditions such as depression. Taking these two together can cause dangerously high blood pressure. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Only a doctor should decide whether this medicine is appropriate during pregnancy. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | This medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is a chewable tablet. That means you should not swallow it directly with water. As the doctor says, you should chew the tablet thoroughly and swallow it until it is completely dissolved. Otherwise, it will not work properly.
- Take your medicine on time: Take your medicine at the prescribed times, every hour, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the times as you wish.
- If given to children: This medicine can sometimes be prescribed to children over 2 years of age. However, this should be decided by a pediatrician. Never give this medicine to young children without a doctor's advice.
- People over 60: Older people may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger. Therefore, the doctor may prescribe a lower dose.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Do not take this lightly.
Other drugs that are incompatible with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Some medications can cause serious reactions when taken with this medicine. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, Ayurvedic medicines, and supplements).
| Do not take this medicine with these! | |
|---|---|
| MAOI-type drugs | (eg Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil) |
| Some stimulant medications | (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, weight loss medication) |
| Ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine | (Migraine medication) |
| Be careful when taking these with these (tell the doctor) | |
| Blood pressure medication | Alcohol |
| Medications for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety | Some medications for heart disease |
Side effects that may occur when taking medication
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, some are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies | (Skin irritation, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue) |
| Difficulty breathing | Rapid or irregular heartbeat |
| Extreme restlessness, agitation | Seeing things that are not visible (Hallucinations) |
| Seizure | Difficulty urinating or change in the amount of urine you produce |
| These are common symptoms that you should tell your doctor if they persist. | |
| Dizziness | Drowsiness |
| Dry mouth and eyes | Headache |
| Nausea | Difficulty falling asleep |
What to do if you 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. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine only controls symptoms such as cough and cold, but does not cure the infection that causes the disease.
- This is a pill that should be chewed well and swallowed whole. Do not swallow it directly with water.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you take, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes.
- If you experience a severe side effect (e.g., difficulty breathing, chest tightness), seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
- If your symptoms do not improve after a few days of using the medication, see your doctor again.
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