A cold or flu is a very annoying thing that we get when the weather changes a little, when we get a little dust on our body, or when we get a little virus on our body. A runny nose, a stuffy nose, and constant sneezing make it impossible to do our daily tasks properly. So, today we are going to talk about a type of medicine that we often get when we go to a doctor at a time like this.
What is this medicine? Let's understand it simply.
This is actually a combination of two medicines. That is, the same bottle of syrup contains the properties of two medicines.
1. Chlorpheniramine: This is an antihistamine . Simply put, when our body is allergic to something, that is, when we have an allergy, we experience things like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and hives. So this medicine works by controlling those allergy symptoms.
2. Phenylephrine: This is a decongestant . It works by opening up a blocked nose. It works by constricting the small blood vessels in the nose, reducing congestion and making it easier for you to breathe.
It's important to note that this medicine only controls symptoms . That means it reduces things like runny nose, sneezing, and stuffy nose. But if you have a bacterial or viral infection, this medicine won't cure that infection. That requires separate treatment.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before prescribing this medication to you, it is essential that your doctor is aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell him/her about any of the medical conditions listed below.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Asthma | Sometimes this medicine can cause thick mucus and increased breathing difficulties. |
| Diabetes | This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. |
| Glaucoma condition | Eye pressure can increase. |
| High blood pressure or heart disease | This medicine may increase blood pressure and heart rate. |
| Thyroid disease | Can affect heart rate. |
| Difficulty urinating or enlarged prostate | Urination may become more difficult. |
| MAOI-type medications for depression | Taking these two medications together can be very dangerous. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | It is imperative to inform the doctor as it may affect the baby. |
How should I use the medicine?
It is very important to take the medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed, in the correct dosage, at the correct time.
- Use only the special spoon, cup, or dropper that comes with the medicine to measure it . Do not measure with the teaspoons or tablespoons you have in your kitchen. They are not accurate.
- If you experience stomach upset after taking the medicine, take it with a meal.
- Don't drink more than the doctor tells you to.
- When giving to children: Give as directed by your doctor. Avoid giving this medicine to children under 2 years of age. Even for children over 2 years of age, it should be given only in special cases and under the strict supervision of a doctor.
- People over 60 years of age: If you are an older adult, the effects of this medicine (such as drowsiness) may be more severe. So your doctor may prescribe a lower dose for you.
What to do if you 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 two doses at the same time.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Side effects that may occur due to this medicine
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some are not so serious.
| If you see these, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, and face. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, change in breathing rate. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, double vision. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling as if your heart is beating too fast or irregularly. |
| Mental changes | Restlessness, fear, seeing things that are not there (hallucinations). |
| Other serious symptoms | High or low blood pressure, seizures, difficulty urinating. |
| If these persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Drowsiness, fatigue | It is most common in the first few days of taking the medication. |
| Dry mouth, nose, throat | You can get relief by drinking a little more water. |
| Headache, stomach ache | Taking the medicine with food can reduce stomach upset. |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- You may feel drowsy and dizzy . Therefore, do not drive, especially riding a bike, three-wheeler, or operating machinery while taking this medicine.
- Avoid drinking alcohol. Taking this medicine with alcohol can make drowsiness and dizziness worse.
- Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, and herbal products (such as decoctions and arishta) you are taking, as some medications may interact with this one.
- If the symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor again.
How should I store the medicine?
To maintain the quality of the medicine, it must be stored properly.
- Keep it out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat or extreme cold.
- Keep the bottle cap tightly closed.
- Throw away expired medicine .
Take-Home Message
- This medicine only controls the symptoms of colds and allergies (runny nose, stuffy nose), but does not completely cure the disease.
- Use the correct measuring device that comes with the medication to measure it.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes) and all other medications you take.
- Avoid driving and activities that require alertness as this may cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol completely.
- Avoid giving this medicine to children under 2 years of age without medical advice.
- If you notice a serious side effect, contact your doctor immediately.
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