Let's learn about this medicine (Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine) that is used to treat cough, phlegm, and nasal congestion.

A cold is a very annoying thing, isn't it? You can't even breathe properly, you can't sleep at night, and the whole day is very uncomfortable. So, at times like these, doctors recommend certain medications to control these symptoms. Today, we are talking about a syrup that is a combination of three such medications.

What is this medicine? Simply put...

This is not really one medicine, but a combination of three medicines. Each of them does a different job. Let's see what they are.

1. Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant . It works by blocking the signals that trigger cough in the brain. This means it helps stop a dry, annoying cough.

2. Guaifenesin: This is an expectorant that helps loosen mucus and remove it from the chest . It thins out thick mucus that is stuck in the chest and makes it easier to cough up.

3. Phenylephrine: This is a decongestant . When you have a cold, the blood vessels inside your nose swell, causing your nose to become congested. This medicine constricts those blood vessels, reducing swelling and making it easier to breathe.

Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is important to give you a complete description of your health condition. Especially if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell them about them.

• If you have diabetes (some syrups may contain sugar).
• If you have high blood pressure or heart disease (Phenylephrine may increase blood pressure).
• If you have thyroid disease .
• If you have the eye disease glaucoma .
• If you are a man, you may have an enlarged prostate .
• If you have lung diseases like asthma .
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .
• If you have an allergy to this medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• Very important: If you have used an MAOI antidepressant (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) in the past 14 days , you should definitely tell your doctor. Taking these two medications together can be very dangerous.

How should I use the medicine?

Be aware of these points when using this medicine.

• Use as directed by your doctor: Follow the directions on the medicine label exactly. Take the correct dose at the correct time. Do not take more than the recommended amount.
• Shake well: Always shake the medicine bottle well before using it. Because the medicine is mixed, some parts may settle to the bottom.
• Use the correct measure: Measure the medicine using only the special measuring cup or spoon that comes with it. Do not use teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. They may not measure accurately and may result in an incorrect dose.
• Take with food or milk: It is best to take this medicine with a meal or a glass of milk to avoid stomach upset.

For young children and adults

Doctors sometimes recommend this medicine for children over 6 years of age. But talk to your pediatrician about it and give it to your child only on his advice. People over 60 years of age may react a little more severely to this medicine. Therefore, they are usually prescribed a lower dose.

What are the things that should not be taken with this medicine?

Some medications can react with this syrup and cause dangerous conditions. Therefore, if you are taking other medications, it is very important to tell your doctor about them.

Things that are especially not good to take with this medicine are:

• MAOI-type antidepressants (as mentioned above).
• Ergot alkaloids (e.g. some migraine medications like dihydroergotamine).
• Stimulant medicines that help you focus, lose weight, or stay awake.

In addition, it can interact with other medications. For example:

• Alcohol
• Medications for mental health problems (such as depression, anxiety)
• Sleeping pills
• Some blood pressure medications
• Muscle relaxants
• Other cold and cough medicines

Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you take (including vitamins and traditional medicines).

Things to be aware of and side effects when taking medication

Keep these things in mind while taking the medicine:

• Drink plenty of water: Drinking several glasses of water a day will help loosen the mucus in your chest and help it drain more easily.
• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Be careful when getting up from a standing position or sitting position, especially if you are elderly. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falling.
• Avoid alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can cause increased drowsiness. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication.

Side Effects

Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. We'll divide them into two categories.

What to do if you miss a dose and drink too much?

If you miss a dose of medication (Missed Dose)

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.

Overdose

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 for advice.

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