The annoying cough, stuffy chest, and stuffy nose that come with a cold are very uncomfortable for all of us, aren't they? There are no words to describe the pain a mother goes through when something like this happens to a small child. When we go to see a doctor at times like these, they prescribe different types of medicines to control these symptoms. Today, we are going to talk about a widely used medicine made from a combination of three such medicines.
What kind of medicine is this? What exactly is happening?
Simply put, this is a combination of three medications. Each of them does a different job. Let's see what they are.
1. Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant . It works by affecting the cough center in the brain, stopping frequent, painful coughs.
2. Guaifenesin: This works by thinning and loosening the mucus in our chest and throat. This allows us to cough up the mucus more easily. The tightness in our chest is greatly reduced.
3. Pseudoephedrine: This is a decongestant . When you have a cold, the tiny blood vessels inside your nose swell, causing your nose to become congested. This medicine reduces the swelling and makes it easier to breathe.
Think of it like an army of three men going to war. One stops the enemy's attacks (cough), another clears the enemy's obstacles (phlegm), and the third clears the blocked passages (nose).
But there is something very important that we all need to understand here. This medicine only temporarily controls the symptoms. This medicine will not cure the virus or bacteria (infection) that caused your illness. That may require separate treatment.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is essential that your doctor knows your complete medical history before prescribing this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor honestly and completely .
- If you have diabetes.
- If you have difficulty urinating or prostate problems.
- If you have glaucoma, a condition where the pressure in the eyes increases.
- If you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to these medications (dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine) or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Do not hide this information, as it can directly affect your own health and safety.
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water. Take the dose exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time.
- If you experience stomach upset or nausea after taking the medicine, take it with a meal or a glass of milk.
- This is the most important thing: Measure the medicine using only the special cap, measuring cup, or syringe that comes with the medicine bottle. Do not use teaspoons, tablespoons, or soup spoons that you have at home. They are not very accurate. Especially when giving it to a small child, even a milliliter difference can make a difference.
- If giving to children: Be sure to talk to your pediatrician about giving this medicine to children. Special precautions or a different dosage may be needed.
- For the elderly: If you are over 60 years old, the effects of the medicine may be a little stronger. Therefore, a lower dose may be needed. Talk to your doctor about this as well.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, don't waste any time. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What other things can interact with this medicine?
Some medications can cause serious reactions when taken together with this medicine. Therefore, be very careful about the following things.
| Reaction type | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Don't take it at all. | MAOIs (e.g. Carbex, Nardil), a class of medications used to treat conditions such as depression. Some medications used for migraines (ergot alkaloids). Stimulant medications for attention disorders or weight loss. |
| Things that can cause problems | Beverages and medications containing caffeine. Digoxin, which is given for heart disease. Some blood pressure medications. Some medications for Parkinson's disease. Herbal products such as St. John's wort. |
This list is not complete. So, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider when taking medication
- If your symptoms do not improve after 5 days of starting the medication, or if your condition worsens, be sure to see your doctor again.
- Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day will help thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up.
- Some people may have trouble falling asleep at night after taking this medication. If this happens to you, take your last dose of the day a few hours before bedtime.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects, but not everyone gets them.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or go to the hospital. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or your heart rate is irregular. |
| Other serious symptoms | Difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, seizures, hallucinations, and extreme fatigue. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor side effects | Headache, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, mild drowsiness. |
Take-Home Message
- This combination of medications only temporarily controls symptoms such as cough, phlegm, and nasal congestion, but does not cure the infection that causes the disease.
- When measuring medication, always use the measuring cup or syringe that comes with it. Avoid using kitchen spoons at home.
- Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or herbal products you are taking.
- If symptoms do not improve or worsen after 5 days, see your doctor again.
- Always store medicines in a safe place out of the reach of children, at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius). Throw away expired medicines.
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