Are you tired of having a cold, sneezing, and difficulty breathing? Sometimes these symptoms can be a cold or an allergy. Today, we are going to talk about a commonly used medicine that a doctor prescribes for you at times like these.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication. One is an antihistamine and the other is a decongestant . These two work together to control your symptoms.
- Antihistamines: Control symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes caused by allergies.
- Decongestants: They relieve nasal congestion by constricting the blood vessels in the nose, reducing swelling, and making it easier to breathe.
The important thing is that this medicine only controls your symptoms. It does not cure a viral or bacterial infection. That means if you have a cold, this medicine will not kill the virus that caused it, but it will relieve annoying symptoms like runny nose and stuffy nose.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
This is very important. Before you start taking this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions. This medicine is not suitable for everyone.
| Your medical condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Asthma | Sometimes symptoms may worsen. |
| Diabetes | This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. |
| Glaucoma | Risky because eye pressure may increase. |
| High blood pressure or heart disease | Phenylephrine can increase blood pressure and heart rate. |
| Thyroid disease | The drug can affect the heart rate. |
| Prostate trouble | Difficulty urinating may increase. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Avoid taking without medical advice. |
| If the baby is breastfed | The medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
Also, don't forget to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medicine, other medications, foods, or dyes.
How should I use the medicine?
The most important thing is to take the medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed, in the right dosage, at the right time.
- Take this pill with a glass of water .
- If you experience stomach upset or heartburn after taking the medicine, take the medicine with a meal .
- Take the dose at the prescribed time. Never take more than the doctor tells you to.
- 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 the same time.
Let's also learn about special occasions.
- If given to children: This medicine is sometimes prescribed to children over 6 years of age. But this should only be done under the supervision of a doctor. Do not give this medicine to young children without first asking your doctor.
- For the elderly: People over the age of 60 may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger. Therefore, they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
Attention: What to do if you take too much medicine (overdose)?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Treat this as an emergency.
What are the things that should not be used with the medicine?
Some medications can interact with this medicine, so it is very important to be aware of that.
Medicines that should not be taken with this medicine for any reason:
- MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors): These are a type of medication commonly used to treat conditions such as depression. If you are taking one of these medications or have recently stopped taking them, you should tell your doctor. Taking these two medications together can cause dangerously high blood pressure.
Other things that may interact with this medicine:
- Any type of alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can greatly increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- Sleeping pills: Taking sleeping pills, such as barbiturates, can cause excessive sleepiness.
- Medications for mental illness: Side effects may increase when taken with medications for depression and anxiety.
- Other medicines for colds, coughs, or allergies: These medicines may also contain similar ingredients, which could lead to an overdose.
Side effects to be aware of when taking medication
Some people may experience side effects when taking this medicine. Some of them are serious, some are mild.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Notify your doctor immediately. | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Mental changes | Restlessness, excessive fear, seeing things that are not there (hallucinations). |
| Other serious symptoms | Blurred vision, seizures, difficulty urinating, high or low blood pressure. |
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| Drowsiness | This is most common during the early stages of taking the medication. |
| Dry mouth, nose, throat | Drinking a little more water can provide relief. |
| Other minor features | Headache, mild stomach upset, nausea, loss of appetite. |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine only controls the symptoms caused by colds and allergies, but does not cure the cause of the disease.
- It is essential to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes) and any other medications you are taking.
- This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving or doing work that requires concentration.
- Never take alcohol with this medicine.
- If you experience severe side effects such as difficulty breathing or rapid heartbeat, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give this medicine to someone else just because they have the same symptoms as you. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
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