When a small child in your house has a cold, or you yourself have an allergy and a runny nose, you have probably been given a syrup like this when you went to a doctor. This is a common medicine that is often given for colds, flu, and nasal congestion. But there are a few things we need to be careful about when using this. Let's talk about it precisely and simply today.
What kind of medicine is this? What exactly is happening?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. That is, Chlorpheniramine and Phenylephrine . Let's see what these two do to our bodies.
1. Chlorpheniramine: This belongs to the group of medicines called antihistamines . Imagine that you have an allergy to something like dust. Then our body produces a chemical called histamine. This histamine is what causes itchy eyes, nose, sneezing, and runny nose. So, what this medicine called Chlorpheniramine does is stop the action of that histamine. Then those allergy symptoms are controlled.
2. Phenylephrine: This belongs to a class of medications called decongestants . When you have a cold, your nose gets stuffy, right? The reason for this is that the small blood vessels inside your nose swell. Phenylephrine works by causing those blood vessels to contract a little. This reduces the swelling in your nose, relieves the congestion, and makes it easier to breathe.
The most important thing: This medicine only controls the symptoms of colds and allergies. That means it reduces things like runny nose and stuffy nose. But it doesn't kill the virus or bacteria that caused your illness. That means it's not a medicine that cures an infection.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
This medicine is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, if you have any of the following medical conditions, you should definitely inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
| Medical condition/other matters | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Asthma | Sometimes the mucus can become thick and make breathing difficult. |
| Diabetes | May affect blood sugar levels. |
| Glaucoma | Eye pressure may increase. |
| High blood pressure or heart disease | Blood pressure and heart rate may increase. |
| Thyroid disease | Symptoms may worsen. |
| Enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating | Difficulty urinating may increase. |
| Taking MAOI medications | It is very dangerous to take this with this type of medication for depression (e.g. Nardil, Parnate). |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby | Should be used only on medical advice. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | It is essential to seek medical advice as parts of the medicine may pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How should I use this medicine?
Measure the correct dose.
This medicine should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Most often, the medicine bottle comes with a small cup or spoon marked in milliliters (ml). Be sure to use it . Measuring with teaspoons and tablespoons in the kitchen is not correct. If you do, the dose may be off.
Those who need special care
- Young children: Do not give this medicine to children under 2 years of age . In some special cases, a doctor may prescribe it for children over 2 years of age. However, never give this medicine to young children on your own without medical advice.
- Elderly: People over 60 years of age may experience a slightly stronger effect from this medication, so they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
What if I 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. Never take a double dose.
Overdose
If someone accidentally takes too much of this medicine, it can be dangerous. If this happens , immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or take the patient to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What else should I be careful about when taking this medicine?
There are some things you need to be careful about in your daily life while taking this medication.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This is one of the main side effects of this medication. You may feel very sleepy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing anything that requires alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't get up suddenly: Especially if you are elderly, don't get up suddenly from sitting or lying down. Doing so can cause dizziness and you may fall. Get up slowly.
- Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking this medication can make drowsiness and dizziness worse. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling of lips/tongue/face | Respiratory distress: Difficulty breathing |
| Heartbeat: Fast or irregular heartbeat | Mental changes: fear, restlessness, hallucinations |
| Blood pressure: excessive increase or decrease | Other: Seizures, vision changes, difficulty urinating |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dry mouth, nose, throat | Headache |
| Appetite | Stomach upset, nausea |
| Tiredness / Fatigue | |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine should only be used under the advice of a doctor. Tell your doctor about your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Always use the milliliter (ml) cup or spoon that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use kitchen spoons.
- This medicine may cause drowsiness. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery.
- Do not give this medicine to children under 2 years of age for any reason without medical advice.
- If you accidentally take too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU).
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