When we have a cold or an allergy and we have a cough and a stuffy nose, we often look for a medicine that will cure all of these. Today we are talking about a syrup that is a combination of three medicines that a doctor may prescribe for you. It contains the drugs dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine.
What exactly is this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of three medications. Let's see what happens with each one.
- Dextromethorphan: This is used to control your cough . It is a cough suppressant.
- Diphenhydramine: This is a medicine for allergies . To be precise, it blocks a chemical called histamine. It controls things like runny nose and watery eyes. It can make you feel a little sleepy.
- Phenylephrine: This works by reducing nasal congestion by constricting the blood vessels in the nose, making it easier to breathe.
The most important thing is that this medicine only controls symptoms. It does not cure any virus or bacteria (infection) in your body.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before a doctor prescribes this medicine for you, it is essential that you provide him with a complete description of your health condition. Especially if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell him about them.
| Health status / other matters | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Some syrups may contain sugar. |
| High blood pressure or heart disease | Phenylephrine can increase blood pressure and heart rate. |
| Glaucoma | This medicine may increase eye pressure. |
| Thyroid disease | The effectiveness of the medicine may change. |
| Enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating | This medicine may make it more difficult to urinate. |
| If you have taken MAO Inhibitors within the last 14 days | This is a very dangerous interaction. High blood pressure can rise very sharply. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | It is imperative to seek medical advice regarding possible effects on the baby. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple, but very important.
- Shake well: Before using the medicine, shake the bottle well, as the medicine may have settled at the bottom.
- Correct measurement: Do not use teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. Only use the special measuring cup or spoon that comes with the medicine. Only then can you take the correct dose.
- On time: Take the prescribed dose, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount or take it more often.
When given to young children and the elderly
- For children: If you are giving this medicine to your child, you should definitely talk to a pediatrician . In some cases, this medicine is prescribed for children as young as 2 years old, but there are special precautions.
- For people over 60 years of age: Older people may react differently to medications. So they may feel the effects of this medicine more strongly and may need a lower dose.
What do you do if you take too much medicine or miss an appointment?
Overdose: If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not delay this.
If you miss a dose: 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 scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other medications that should not be used with this medicine
When taking this medicine, you should also be careful about the other medications you are taking. Some medications can react with this one and cause dangerous conditions.
Do not take this syrup with these medications, especially:
* Medicines in the group called MAO Inhibitors (some types of medicines given for mental illnesses)
* Stimulants like amphetamine
* Bromocriptine
* Some medications used for migraines (Ergot alkaloids)
This medicine may also interact with the following:
- Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- Sleeping pills: When taken with sleeping pills, drowsiness can become unbearable.
- Medications for mental illnesses: Medications for conditions such as depression or anxiety.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Other medicines for colds, coughs, or allergies.
Tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbs you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore , avoid doing potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery until you know exactly how this medication affects you.
- Don't get up too quickly: Don't get up suddenly from a sitting position or out of bed, especially if you're elderly. Doing so can cause dizziness and you may fall.
- Be careful with sunlight: This medication may make your skin sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). So if you are going to be in the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin and use a good sunscreen.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
|
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| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
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How should I store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Do not refrigerate.
- Protect from direct sunlight and light.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (such as diabetes, high blood pressure) and any other medications you are taking.
- Do not use household spoons to measure medicine. Use the measuring cup that comes with the medicine.
- Taking the medicine may make you feel drowsy. Therefore, be careful when driving or doing work that requires concentration.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or facial swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to others.
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