Sometimes a cough is really annoying, isn't it? You may be tired of a cough that has been going on for days and feels like your chest is clogged with mucus. If even a simple syrup doesn't help, your doctor may prescribe a stronger, more specific medicine. This medicine, which is made with a combination of Codeine and Guaifenesin, is one such medicine. Let's talk about it in simple terms today.
What really happens with this medicine?
There are two main things about this medicine. Think of it like one that stops a cough, and the other that helps to expel phlegm.
1. Codeine: This is an opioid cough suppressant. Simply put, it works by calming the cough center in our brain. This helps control that annoying cough that keeps coming.
2. Guaifenesin: This is an expectorant , meaning it loosens mucus and helps it to be expelled from the lungs more easily. It thins out thick mucus that is stuck in the chest, making it easier for the mucus to be expelled.
So when these two come together, the cough is controlled and the trapped mucus is released, leaving you feeling great relief.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This medicine is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. If you have any of the conditions below, tell them before prescribing the medicine.
| Condition | Why should I inform the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Liver or kidney disease | Since these organs are essential for removing medication from the body, if their function is impaired, the dosage of the medication may need to be changed. |
| Asthma or other respiratory diseases | Codeine can slow breathing slightly, so it may affect people who already have breathing problems. |
| Head injuries, brain tumors | Under such conditions, pressure on the brain can increase, and this medication can complicate the condition. |
| A history of alcohol or drug addiction | Because codeine is an opioid, doctors should be extra careful when administering it to people who are at risk of addiction. |
| Low blood pressure, heart disease | This medicine may cause dizziness or further decrease in blood pressure. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding | Because this medication may affect the baby, it is imperative to discuss it with the doctor. |
| Other medical conditions (Addison's disease, Thyroid, Pancreas, Gallbladder diseases) | Any of these conditions can affect how the medication works or its side effects. |
| Allergies to medicines, food or other things | It is very important to inform your doctor if you are allergic to codeine, guaifenesin, or any other ingredient in the medicine. |
How should I use the medicine?
- Drink with a glass of water: Always take this medicine with plenty of water.
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
- Before or after food?: You can take this medicine with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take the medicine with some food.
- Not suitable for children: This medicine is not approved for use in children. Therefore, do not give it to children without consulting a doctor.
- Do not share the medicine: This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What if I need to take more medicine?
If you think you have overdosed on a medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
This medicine may interact with some other medicines you are taking. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including vitamins and Ayurvedic medicines).
Special Warning: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. The combination of alcohol and this medication can cause excessive drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and even death.
Avoid taking this medicine with the following:
- Antihistamines (allergy, cough, and cold medications that cause drowsiness)
- Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
- Some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine)
- General anesthetics
- Other painkillers or opioid cough medicines
- MAOI type medication
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when getting up or sitting down quickly, especially if you are elderly.
- Tolerance & Dependence: As you continue to use this medicine, you may feel that its effects are decreasing. This is called `Tolerance`. Do not increase the dose on your own. Also, your body may become accustomed to this medicine. This does not mean that you are `addicted` to the medicine. If your doctor wants to stop the medicine, he will not stop it suddenly but will gradually reduce the dose.
- Constipation: Constipation is a common side effect of codeine. Check to see if you have a bowel movement every two to three days. If you have not had a bowel movement after three days, talk to your doctor. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods high in fiber can help with this.
- Dry mouth: You may feel like your mouth is dry. This can be controlled by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Breathing difficulties (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, excessive sleepiness, unconsciousness. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Other serious symptoms | Frequent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | Constipation |
| Dry mouth | Headache |
| Nausea, vomiting | |
How to store and dispose of medicine?
Because this is an opioid-containing medication, it must be handled with great care .
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Keep it locked in a safe place to protect it from theft.
- It is important to properly dispose of expired or no longer needed medications. These can be fatal if they get into the hands of someone else (an adult, child, or pet).
- The best way to dispose of medication is to ask your pharmacy or hospital if they have a program for this. If not, remove the medication capsules or tablets from the container, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put them in a well-sealed bag, and throw them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Take the dose exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never change or increase the dose yourself.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else for any reason. It is illegal and very dangerous.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking the medicine.
- Avoid driving and performing tasks that require attention, as drowsiness may occur.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, excessive drowsiness, or allergic reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
- Always keep medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children.
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