So, with the rainy season again, everyone is getting colds and coughs. Having a stuffy nose all day, coughing and chest pain, and mucus is a real nuisance, isn't it? So, at times like these, many of us go to the pharmacy and buy a one-stop solution for coughs, colds, and colds. Today, we are going to talk about one such commonly used combination medicine. It contains three main ingredients. They are Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
This is a combination of three types of medicine. Just like the ingredients in a dish, each of these has a different function. Let's see what they are.
- Dextromethorphan: This works by controlling your cough. Our brain has a center that sends signals to cause coughing. This medicine works by slightly disabling that center, stopping the painful, dry cough that often comes back.
- Guaifenesin: This is known as an 'expectorant'. Simply put, it works by thinning out the thick, sticky mucus in your chest, loosening it up, and helping it come out more easily. Once the mucus is released, the tightness and discomfort in your chest will be much less.
- Pseudoephedrine: This is a 'decongestant'. This means that when you have a cold, the small blood vessels inside your nose swell, causing your nose to become blocked. This medicine works by reducing that swelling, clearing your nasal congestion, and making it easier to breathe.
But it's important to remember that this medicine only temporarily controls symptoms. It will not cure any infection in your body, such as a bacterial infection.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important to inform your doctor about your health condition before using any medication. Especially before taking this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Difficulty urinating (e.g., prostate enlargement)
- Glaucoma
- High blood pressure or heart disease
- Liver disease
- If you have an allergic reaction to Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine, or any other medicine, food, or dye contained in this medicine.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you, or whether another option is needed.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it properly.
- Swallow this pill whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the pill. This can cause the medicine to be absorbed into the body too quickly, especially if it is marked 'ER' (Extended Release).
- If you experience stomach upset or heartburn after taking the medicine, take it with a meal or a glass of milk.
- Take the prescribed dose, at the time prescribed by your doctor. It is important to take it on time. Never take more than the prescribed dose.
- If giving to children: Be sure to talk to your pediatrician about giving this medicine to children. Special care may be required.
- If you are over 60 years old: Older people may feel the effects of these medications more strongly. So you may need a lower dose. Ask your doctor about this.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have accidentally taken more medicine than you think, take action immediately. The best thing to do in such a situation is to call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital in Colombo. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Don't waste time.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take 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 to make up for a forgotten dose.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
This is a very important part. Some medications can cause serious reactions when taken with this cough medicine. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Type of medicine | Description |
|---|---|
| Do not take this medicine with any other medicine. | |
| MAOI drugs | These are medications commonly used to treat conditions such as depression (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate). It is not a good idea to take this cough medicine even for two weeks after stopping these medications. |
| Ergot Alkaloids | Some medications used for migraines fall into this category (e.g. ergotamine). |
| Stimulant medicines | Some medications are given for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), weight loss, or insomnia. |
| Interactions may occur with this medication (seek medical advice) | |
| Blood pressure medication | Pseudoephedrine may change the effectiveness of blood pressure medications. |
| Other cold medicines | When taken with other cough and cold medications, more of the same medication can be absorbed into the body. |
| Digoxin, Caffeine, Theophylline | Medications for conditions such as heart disease and asthma. Also be careful about coffee, tea, and energy drinks that contain caffeine. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
- If your symptoms do not improve after 5 days, or if they get worse (e.g., fever increases, cough worsens), see your doctor immediately.
- Some people may have trouble sleeping at night after taking this medication. If this is a problem, take the last dose of the day a few hours before bedtime.
- In order for mucus to loosen and come out easily, you need to maintain a good level of water in your body.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day while taking this medicine. This will help thin the mucus and reduce chest congestion.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat. |
| Mental changes | Restlessness, fear, anxiety, trembling, seeing/hearing things that are not real (hallucinations). |
| Other serious symptoms | High blood pressure, fever, difficulty breathing, seizures, difficulty urinating, extreme fatigue. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach upset, nausea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite. |
| Other minor ailments | Headache, mild drowsiness. |
Where should I keep the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children . Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius), away from light and moisture. Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Before taking this type of combination medication, be sure to tell your doctor if you have other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
- Follow the dosage and regimen prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the recommended dose.
- This medicine only relieves symptoms and does not cure the underlying infection. If symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they worsen, seek medical advice.
- Seek immediate medical attention if serious side effects occur (increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, severe restlessness).
- It is very important to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
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