You also feel very worried when you have a cough or cold, don't you? Your nose is blocked, your eyes are red and itchy, and you can't sleep at night because of the constant coughing. At times like these, a doctor may prescribe you a syrup made from a combination of several medicines. One such medicine is Codeine and Chlorpheniramine, which we are talking about today. There are a few things that we need to be very careful about when using this. Let's talk about it in detail.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is a combination of two main types of medication.
1. Codeine: This is an opioid cough suppressant. It works by affecting the cough center in the brain, reducing the frequency and intensity of coughs.
2. Chlorpheniramine: This is an antihistamine. It is an antihistamine that controls allergic symptoms. It helps control things like runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and red eyes.
So, the combination of these two will relieve the annoying symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, or other allergies. However, this is a medicine that should only be taken in the prescribed dosage as prescribed by a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Your doctor will need to have a complete understanding of your health before prescribing this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Disease or condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Lung or respiratory disease | Conditions such as asthma. This medicine can slow breathing. |
| Alcohol use | If you are a frequent drinker. |
| Liver or kidney disease | Because the medicine is processed and excreted from the body through this organ. |
| Head injuries or brain tumors | Because there is a risk of increased pressure in the brain. |
| Eye-related diseases | Conditions such as glaucoma. |
| Other medical conditions | Addison's disease, heart disease, low blood pressure, mental illness, pancreatic disease, seizures, thyroid problems, intestinal problems, difficulty urinating. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to codeine, chlorpheniramine, or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to follow the correct method when using a medicine.
- Shake the bottle well: Since this is a syrup, the medicine particles may settle at the bottom. So shake well before use.
- Use the correct measurement: Only use the special measuring cup, spoon, or dropper that comes with the medicine. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons. They are not accurate.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Take it on time: Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
- Giving to children: This medicine is not approved for use in children. So talk to your doctor about giving this medicine to your child.
Attention: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason. It can be dangerous.
What to do if you 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.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
If you are taking other medications while taking this medicine, there may be interactions between them. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products). In particular, avoid taking this medicine with the following:
| Drugs or substances that may cause problems | Examples and notes |
|---|---|
| Things to avoid in particular | |
| Alcohol | Severely increases drowsiness and breathing difficulties. |
| Other medications that cause drowsiness | Medicines for anxiety, insomnia, other cough/cold medicines, painkillers (opiates). |
| MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) | These are a type of medication used to treat depression. Taking them together is very dangerous. |
| Other medications that may cause problems | |
| Certain antibiotics and antifungals | Eg: Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Ketoconazole. |
| Medication for irregular heartbeat | Ex: Amiodarone, Quinidine. |
| Some medications for HIV or Hepatitis | Antiviral drugs. |
This list is not complete, so it is safest to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine can make you very sleepy. Therefore, do not do anything that requires concentration, such as driving or operating machinery, while taking this medicine. Especially if you are an elderly person, avoid getting up or sitting down suddenly. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.
- Constipation: Constipation may occur due to the presence of codeine. To prevent this, drink plenty of water and eat foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables). If you have not had a bowel movement for more than 2-3 days, talk to your doctor.
- Dry mouth: You may experience a dry mouth. This can be controlled by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
- Tolerance: When you use this medicine for a long time, your body may develop tolerance to it. This means that over time, the medicine may not be as effective at reducing cough. If this happens, tell your doctor. Never increase the dose on your own.
- Stopping the medication: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly after taking it for a long time. Doing so may cause severe reactions. If necessary, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping.
Possible side effects of the medicine
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Difficulty breathing (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability or difficulty urinating. |
| What to tell the doctor if it persists or is bothersome | |
| Minor side effects | Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, vomiting. |
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Since this is a drug that can be abused, keep it in a safe place that can be protected from theft.
It is important to properly dispose of expired or unwanted medications. The best way to do this is to take them to a medication take-back program run by a hospital or pharmacy. If that is not possible, remove the medication from the bottle, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and place it in a tightly sealed bag and throw it in the trash. Never flush it down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine should be used only as directed by a doctor, and in the prescribed dosage. Do not change the dosage on your own.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- This may cause severe drowsiness, so avoid driving and activities that require attention.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
- This is a very strong medicine, so keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children . Do not give this medicine to anyone else for any reason.
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