You may have been tired from the occasional cold or allergy, right? We all know the discomfort of having a stuffy nose, having difficulty breathing, having a runny nose, and having itchy eyes. So, today we are going to talk about a combination of medications that doctors often recommend for you at times like these. That is the combination of two medications called Chlorpheniramine and Pseudoephedrine.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
This is actually a combination of two medications. Simply put, it works like this:
1. Chlorpheniramine: This is an antihistamine . When our body has an allergy, a chemical called 'Histamine' is produced. Sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, nose, and throat are caused by this histamine. So, this medicine controls the action of that histamine.
2. Pseudoephedrine: This is a decongestant . When you have a cold, the small blood vessels inside your nose swell, causing your nose to become congested. This medicine works by reducing that swelling, opening up your stuffy nose, and making it easier to breathe.
It's important to note that this medicine only controls the symptoms of a cold or allergy. For example, it won't cure something like a bacterial infection. That requires separate treatment.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medication to you, your doctor should be aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Condition/Occasion | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Asthma | Sometimes breathing difficulties may increase. |
| Diabetes | May affect blood sugar levels. |
| Difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate) | This situation is likely to worsen. |
| Glaucoma (increased eye pressure) | Eye pressure can increase further. |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure | Heart rate and blood pressure can increase. |
| Stomach ulcer | Stomach discomfort may occur. |
| Thyroid disease | Symptoms can be affected. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Medical advice is essential as it may affect the baby. |
| Allergies to other medications or foods | Be aware of the possibility of an allergy to this medicine. |
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to take only the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water.
- Some capsules come in an extended-release (ER) form. Do not break, crush, or chew them. Doing so may cause the medicine to be absorbed into the body too quickly, which can cause side effects.
- If you experience stomach upset or heartburn when taking the medicine, take it with a meal or a glass of milk.
- When giving to children: Do not give this medicine to young children without the advice of a doctor. In some cases, even if the doctor recommends it himself, there are things to be careful about.
- People over 60 years of age: Older people's bodies may react more strongly to this medicine, so they may need a lower dose.
What to do if you take an overdose?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, or have accidentally taken too much, do not delay. Go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This medicine is for your own use only. Never share it with others.
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.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines), as some medications can interact with this one.
| Do not take these with anything. | |
|---|---|
| MAOI type medication | Medications such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate, which are used to treat conditions such as depression, can cause severe increases in blood pressure when taken together. |
| Be very careful when taking these with you. | |
| Alcohol | Excessive drowsiness and dizziness. |
| Some sleeping pills and medications for mental illness | Increases drowsiness and difficulty staying awake. |
| Blood pressure medication | The effectiveness of these medications may be impaired. |
| Other cold and cough medicines | Sometimes, the same type of medication may be present and an unnecessary dose may be ingested. |
Things to consider when taking the medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy and dizzy when taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Avoid getting up too quickly: Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from sitting or lying down. Get up slowly. Otherwise, you may get dizzy and fall.
- Alcohol: Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication. It can make drowsiness worse.
- Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, tell your doctor.
What are the expected side effects?
Like any medication, this one can cause side effects in some people. They can be divided into two main categories.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, decreased breathing rate. |
| Changes in heart rate | Rapid, irregular heartbeat. |
| Mental changes | Restlessness, fear, trembling, seeing/hearing things that are not real (hallucinations). |
| Other severe symptoms | Blurred vision, difficulty urinating, seizures, extreme fatigue. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dry mouth, nose, throat | Drinking a little more water can provide relief. |
| Headache | Headache. |
| Difficulty falling asleep | Insomnia or drowsiness. |
| Stomach discomfort | Loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea. |
If you experience any other discomfort not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about it as well.
Take-Home Message
- Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and only in the prescribed dose.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma) and all other medications you are taking.
- This medication may cause drowsiness, so avoid driving and performing tasks that require alertness.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking the medicine.
- If you experience severe side effects (difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, allergic reactions), seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep medicines out of the reach of children, at room temperature, and away from light. Throw away expired medicines.
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