Are you aware of this syrup for coughs and phlegm? (Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan)

The cough and runny nose that come with a cold are very annoying, aren't they? Most of the time, we take medicine from a pharmacy or a doctor at such times. Today, we are talking about two types of syrup-based medicines that are commonly used at such times. They are Chlorpheniramine and Dextromethorphan. Let's see what these are, how to use them, and what things to be careful about.

What is this medicine? Simply put...

This is actually a combination of two types of medication.

• Chlorpheniramine: This belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines . Simply put, it works by controlling allergic reactions in the body. It helps control things like a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.
• Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant. Its function is to control the signal from the brain that causes coughing.

When these two are combined, they provide relief from many of the annoying symptoms of a cold. But remember, this only controls the symptoms. This medicine cannot cure a viral or bacterial infection in your body.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Whether you are prescribed this medication by a doctor or you go to a pharmacy to get it yourself, if you have any underlying medical conditions or problems, you should definitely tell your doctor about it.

• If you have asthma .
• If you have heart disease .
• If you have glaucoma, a condition where the pressure in the eye increases.
• If you have kidney disease or liver disease .
• If you have a chronic cough that is persistent and does not go away.
• If you are a man, you have prostate problems (such as difficulty urinating).
• If you have used MAOI medications used for mental illness (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) within the past 14 days .
• If you have an allergic reaction to this medication or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

This is very important. It's not enough to just take a pill, you have to take it correctly.

1. Read the label: Read the instructions on the medicine bottle or box carefully. Use it exactly as your doctor tells you.

2. Accurate measurement: Use the measuring cup that comes with the medicine or a special spoon to measure it. Do not measure with teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. They are not accurate. If you do not have one, ask your doctor about it.

3. On time: Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time. Do not take more or more frequently than your doctor tells you to.

4. If giving to children: You should be very careful about giving this medicine to children under 6 years of age. Although doctors sometimes prescribe it, be sure to talk to your pediatrician about it.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.

Things that are incompatible with this medicine (Interactions)

Some medications, foods, and drinks may interact with this medicine, so be aware of these things as well.

• MAOI medications: As we mentioned earlier, these are not recommended to be taken with this medication.
• Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. It can cause excessive drowsiness and dizziness.
• Other medications that cause drowsiness: Sleeping pills, tranquilizers (barbiturates), and other cough/cold medications can cause excessive drowsiness when taken together.
• Some herbs: Some herbal products, such as St. John's Wort, can also interact with this.

Things to be aware of and side effects when taking medication

Pay attention to your body while taking this medicine.

Things to consider

• Drowsiness and dizziness: Many people feel drowsy after taking this medication. Therefore , avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires alertness while taking this medication. Be especially careful about this until you know how this medication affects you.
• Pay attention to symptoms: If your cough and phlegm don't go away after 7 days, or if it gets worse, see a doctor. Also, if your cough is accompanied by a fever, rash, or persistent headache , it could be a sign of something more serious.

Side Effects

Like most medications, this one can have side effects. Let's break them down into two categories.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.

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