We all know the pain that comes with a cold. The constant cough, the constant runny nose, the stuffy nose that makes it hard to breathe, the discomfort we feel... When we go to see a doctor at a time like this, they prescribe a medicine to control these symptoms. Today, we are going to talk about a medicine that is familiar to many people, which is made by combining three of the most commonly used medicines.
What kind of medicine is this? What exactly does it do?
Simply put, this is a combination of three drugs. Each of them does a different job. Let's see what they are.
1. Chlorpheniramine: This belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines . When your body has an allergy, a chemical called 'Histamine' is produced inside your body. Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itching are caused by this histamine. So, what Chlorpheniramine does is block the action of that histamine and control the symptoms of the allergy.
2. Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant . It works by suppressing the cough center in our brain. Therefore, it helps reduce a persistent, painful, dry cough that doesn't produce any mucus.
3. Phenylephrine: This is a decongestant . When you have a cold, the tiny blood vessels inside your nose swell, which causes your nose to become congested. This medicine works by shrinking those blood vessels, reducing the swelling, and making it easier for you to breathe.
But it's important to remember this: These medications only control your symptoms. They don't treat the virus, bacteria, or other underlying cause of your cold or allergy.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor knows about your health before prescribing this medicine. Therefore, be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the following medical conditions.
- Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus)
- Glaucoma, an eye disease
- Heart disease, high blood pressure
- Lung diseases like asthma
- Thyroid disease
- Stomach ulcer
- Some difficulty urinating
- Skin diseases such as eczema
- A rare genetic condition called Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Very important: If you have taken a type of antidepressant called an MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate) within the past 14 days, you must tell us.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to these medications or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Since this is an oral medication, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed by the doctor, in the prescribed dosage, and at the correct time.
- Measure accurately: Don't use the teaspoons or tablespoons you find in your kitchen. They don't measure accurately. Use only the measuring cup, dropper, or spoon that comes with the medicine.
- With or without food: This can be taken before or after meals. However, some people may experience stomach upset if taken on an empty stomach. If this happens, take it with food.
- When giving to children: This medicine is not recommended for children under 2 years of age. If given to older children, it should only be given under the advice of a doctor.
- Elderly: People over 60 years of age may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine (especially drowsiness). Therefore, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.
- If you overdose: If you take more medicine than you should, it can be dangerous. Do not waste time and go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital.
- If you miss a dose: If you miss 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.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
When taking this medicine, there may be interactions with some other medications you are taking. So be especially careful about the following.
| Possible problems with medications and other substances | |
|---|---|
| Do not take these with anything. | |
| |
| These may cause problems (inform the doctor) | |
|
Things to consider when taking medication
- Drowsiness: This medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness . Therefore , do not drive, work at heights, or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
- Dry mouth and dry eyes: You may feel like your mouth is dry. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking lots of water can help. If you wear contact lenses, your eyes may feel dry. You can use lubricating drops to help. If these problems persist, tell your doctor.
- When to see a doctor: If your symptoms do not improve after a few days of taking medication, or if they get worse, tell your doctor. If you have a fever, body aches, or a persistent headache, be sure to see a doctor.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Serious allergic reactions | Red rashes on the skin, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, irregular heartbeat. |
| Other serious symptoms | Vision changes, seizures, hallucinations, extreme dizziness and falling, difficulty urinating. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Common side effects | Stomach upset, headache, bloating, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is intended to control the symptoms of coughs, colds, and allergies, but does not cure the cause of the disease.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially MAOI medications.
- Always use the correct measuring cup or spoon that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use household teaspoons.
- Avoid driving and other activities that require alertness, as this medication may cause drowsiness. Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a serious side effect such as an allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, or rapid heartbeat.
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