The cough, runny nose , and discomfort that come with a cold are very annoying, aren't they? So, during this time, many of us use various medicines in the hope of a quick cure. Today, we are going to talk about a commonly used combination of medicines that control the symptoms of such a cold. This contains two drugs called Chlorpheniramine and Dextromethorphan.
What is this medicine? Let's find out exactly.
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Chlorpheniramine: This is an antihistamine . To be precise, this medicine controls allergy symptoms such as itching, watery eyes, and sneezing caused by a chemical called histamine that is produced in the body when you have a cold. The medicine we all know as 'Piriton' also belongs to this category.
2. Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant . That is, it temporarily controls a persistent, painful, dry cough by affecting the cough center in the brain.
The important thing is that this medicine only controls the symptoms of the cold. It cannot kill the virus that causes the cold. This means that it only reduces the discomfort you feel during the days you are sick, rather than curing the illness.
You may have seen this medicine under brand names like Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold in Sri Lanka.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is extremely important to inform your doctor if you have any of the following health conditions.
| Your health condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Asthma or a chronic cough | This medication can thicken respiratory secretions, which can be harmful to asthma sufferers. |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure | Some compounds can affect heart rate. |
| Glaucoma condition | This medicine may increase eye pressure. |
| Kidney or liver disease | These diseases affect the process of removing medication from the body, so the dosage may need to be changed. |
| Prostate problems | The medication may increase difficulty urinating. |
| Taking MAOI medication in the past 14 days | (MAOI - Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) is a type of medication used to treat conditions such as depression. Taking these two together can cause very serious side effects. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In these cases, avoid taking without medical advice due to the possible effects on the child. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Consider these points when using this medicine.
- Take the pill with a glass of water.
- Follow the instructions on the medicine package. If a doctor has prescribed it, take it exactly as directed.
- Never take more than the prescribed dose. Take your medicine at the prescribed time.
- Giving to children: This medicine is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Even for older children, do not give it without the advice of a pediatrician.
- If you miss a dose: 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 two doses at once.
Overdose
If you have any suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre (0112 686 143) at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to consider when taking medication
While taking this medicine, be aware of these things.
- Drowsiness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can increase drowsiness and side effects. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
- Other medications: If you are taking other medications for colds, coughs, or other allergies, tell your doctor about them. These medications may also contain the same ingredients. This could lead to an overdose.
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if they get worse, see a doctor immediately. If you have a cough with a fever, rash, or persistent headache, it could be a sign of a more serious illness. So, be sure to seek medical advice at such times.
Side effects you may experience
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. These can be divided into two main categories.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Changes | Vision changes, memory loss, fainting. |
| Heartbeat | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Other serious symptoms | Seizures, difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness | A common reaction to medication. |
| Dry mouth, nose, throat | Drinking more water can provide relief. |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach upset, nausea, constipation. |
| Other | Headache, difficulty sleeping. |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine only controls the symptoms of a cold (cough, runny nose ), not the virus that causes the disease.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially asthma, heart disease, glaucoma) and any other medications you are taking.
- This medication may cause drowsiness, so be very careful when doing tasks that require alertness, such as driving. Do not take this medication with alcohol.
- If symptoms do not improve after 7 days or if other symptoms such as fever or skin rash appear, see a doctor immediately.
- Always keep medicines in a safe place out of the reach of small children.
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