It's really annoying when you have a runny nose, a stuffy nose, and a constant sneeze, isn't it? Sometimes an allergy can cause a runny nose, itchy eyes, and a lot of discomfort. So, when we go to the doctor for this, one of the medications that many of us are given is a combination of chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine. This medication may be available under different names in the market. Today, let's talk about what exactly this medication is and what precautions we should take when using it.
What kind of medicine is this? What exactly is happening?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Chlorpheniramine: This is an antihistamine . When we have an allergy, our body produces a chemical called histamine. This histamine is what causes sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and hives. So, this antihistamine blocks the action of histamine. This then controls the allergy symptoms.
2. Phenylephrine: This is a type of medicine called a decongestant . When you have a cold, your nose gets stuffy because the small blood vessels inside your nose swell. This medicine works by causing those blood vessels to constrict a little. This reduces the congestion inside your nose and makes it easier to breathe. It also helps relieve congestion caused by sinusitis.
So, when these two are combined, they provide great relief from symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion caused by things like colds, allergies, and sinus inflammation.
But one thing is important to remember. This only controls symptoms. It is not a medicine that will cure an infection in the body. For example, if the phlegm is caused by a bacterial infection, it may require antibiotics. This medicine will not cure the infection.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before taking any medication, it is very important to inform your doctor about your health condition. Especially if you are taking this medication, be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the following medical conditions.
| Illness or condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure or heart disease | The ingredient phenylephrine can increase blood pressure and cause changes in heart rate. |
| Diabetes | This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. |
| Asthma | Some asthma patients may experience side effects from the ingredients of this medication. |
| Glaucoma condition | This medication may increase eye pressure, which may worsen glaucoma. |
| Thyroid disease | People with an overactive thyroid gland may experience heart rate effects. |
| Prostate problems or difficulty urinating | This medication may make urination more difficult. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Any medication should be taken only under medical advice during pregnancy. The ingredients in this medication may affect the baby. |
| Breastfeeding | The ingredients in this medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, so it is essential to talk to your doctor. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes | If you have had any previous allergies to any medications, it is important to tell your doctor. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Take this pill with a glass of water. Use as directed by your doctor or the medicine label. If you experience stomach upset or heartburn, take this medicine with a meal. This may reduce the discomfort.
It is very important to take the correct dose at the correct time. Do not take more than your doctor has told you. 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 correct time. Never take two doses at once.
When given to children and adults
You should be especially careful when giving this medicine to young children. Talk to a pediatrician and give the dose he or she prescribes. If you are over 60 years old, you may react a little more strongly to this medicine. This means you may experience more drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, the doctor may prescribe a lower dose.
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of a hospital without delay. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine is for you only. The doctor prescribed it for your medical condition. Therefore, never share this medicine with anyone else.
What are the things that should not be taken with this medicine?
If you are taking other medications while taking this medicine, there may be interactions between the two. So tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
Especially never take it with these medications:
- MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors): These are a type of medication commonly used to treat conditions such as depression (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate). Taking these two together can cause dangerously high blood pressure.
Side effects can also occur with these things:
- Any beverage containing alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can greatly increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- Barbiturates: These are a type of medication used to induce sleep or treat epilepsy (e.g. phenobarbital).
- Medications for mental illness, anxiety, or depression.
- Sleeping pills.
- Some other medicines taken for colds, coughs, or allergies: Some cough/mucus drops may also contain these same ingredients. In that case, the dosage may need to be doubled. Therefore, do not take other cough/mucus drops without asking your doctor.
Side effects that may occur when taking medication
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects in some people, although not everyone gets them. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor straight away.
This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness . Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a standing position or from a sitting position. This can cause dizziness and fall.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Rapid, irregular heartbeat. |
| Mental changes | Restlessness, extreme fear, tremors, hallucinations. |
| Changes in blood pressure | Excessively high or low blood pressure. |
| Other | Blurred vision, seizures, difficulty urinating. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome) | |
| Drowsiness | This is a common side effect. |
| Dry mouth, nose, throat | Drink more water. Chewing sugar-free gum may provide relief. |
| Headache | This usually goes away in a few days. |
| Stomach upset, nausea | This can be reduced by taking the medicine with food. |
| Appetite | It can occur while taking the medicine. |
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep it out of the reach of children. This is very important.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Keep the mouth of the medicine bottle/packet tightly closed.
- Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly.
Take-Home Message
- Chlorpheniramine and Phenylephrine are medicines that control symptoms of colds and allergies, such as stuffy nose, runny nose, and sneezing. They do not cure infections.
- If you have other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or glaucoma, be sure to tell your doctor before taking this medication.
- This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, be careful when doing tasks that require concentration, such as driving. Do not take alcohol.
- If you overdose, go to a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately or call the National Poisons Information Center.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking. Avoid changing the dosage or stopping the medication without medical advice.
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