Are you tired of the constant cough, the mucus in your chest, and the difficulty in breathing due to a stuffy nose? At times like these, when we go to see a doctor, he can prescribe a medicine to control these symptoms. That is what we are going to talk about today. Today, we will talk simply and friendly about what is inside this medicine, how exactly does it work for our body, and what we need to be especially careful about when using it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of three medications. Like a talented team, these three work together to reduce your discomfort.
1. Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant . It works by affecting the cough center in our brain, stopping the frequent, painful, dry cough.
2. Guaifenesin: This is a medicine that loosens and helps you cough up mucus . It helps thin the thick mucus that is stuck in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough up. Doctors call this an 'expectorant'.
3. Phenylephrine: This is a medicine that reduces nasal congestion . When you have a cold, the small blood vessels inside your nose swell, causing your nose to become stuffy. This medicine works by causing those swollen blood vessels to shrink back, making it easier for you to breathe.
But remember one thing. This medicine only controls symptoms like cough and phlegm. It will not cure an infection in your body. For example, if it is a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe a different type of antibiotic for that.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
- If you have a lung disease like asthma.
- If you have a thyroid condition.
- If you have an eye disease called glaucoma.
- If you are a man, you may have an enlarged prostate.
- If you have taken an MAOI (e.g. Carbex, Marplan, Nardil) for a mental illness within the past two weeks. This is very important.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- If you have allergies to this medication or any other medicine, food, or dye.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it correctly.
- Take this pill with a full glass of water .
- To avoid an upset stomach, it is best to take this with a meal or a glass of milk.
- This is the most important thing: Never crush, break, or chew this pill. These are designed to release the medicine over time (Extended-Release). If you break the pill, all the medicine will be absorbed into your body at once and there is a greater chance of side effects.
- Take the exact dose as prescribed by your doctor. Don't skip two or three doses when you remember.
- If given to children: This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children over the age of 6. But only under the supervision of a doctor. If you are giving this medicine to your child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- If you are an elderly person: People over the age of 60 may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose for you.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you've taken too much of this medicine, or accidentally taken an overdose, don't panic. But act quickly.
Go immediately to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Also, remember, the doctor prescribed this medicine only for you. Do not give this medicine to anyone else in the house who has the same cough as you.
Other things that are incompatible with this medicine
Some medications, foods, and drinks can interact with this medicine and cause unwanted problems. So be aware of these things as well.
| Things to avoid/be careful of | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| MAOI drugs | Taking this cough medicine with medications for conditions such as depression can be very dangerous. |
| Alcohol | Drinking alcohol can increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by this medication. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication. |
| Other medications that cause drowsiness | Taking sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and muscle relaxants with this medication can cause excessive drowsiness. |
| Some medications for high blood pressure and heart disease | Due to the ingredient phenylephrine in this medicine, it may affect the effectiveness of some blood pressure medications. |
| Other cold medicines | This ingredient may be in another cough syrup or pill you are already taking. This could double the dose and be dangerous. Therefore, do not take other medications without consulting your doctor. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) .
Possible side effects when taking the medicine
As with any medication, this one can cause minor or serious side effects in some people.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to inform your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, rapid breathing. |
| Heart palpitations | A feeling that the heart is beating rapidly or irregularly. |
| Mental changes | Restlessness, agitation, undue excitement, and delirium. |
| Other serious symptoms | Unusual tremors, seizures, extreme fatigue. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they are usually not serious, but persist | |
| Dizziness/drowsiness | This is normal. Do not drive or operate machinery. |
| Headache | A slight headache may occur. |
| Stomach discomfort | Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps. |
| Insomnia | Some people may feel sleepy, while others may experience insomnia. |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is a combination designed to provide relief from all three conditions at once: cough, phlegm, and nasal congestion.
- It is very important to tell your doctor about your other illnesses and all the medications you are taking.
- Never crush or chew this tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
- This may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol completely.
- If you experience serious side effects such as severe skin rash, difficulty breathing, or rapid heartbeat, seek medical advice immediately.
- If your cough does not subside after a week of taking the medicine, or if other symptoms such as fever and headache appear, see your doctor again.
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