What do most of us do when we have a cold and a cough and a runny nose? It's easy to go to the nearest pharmacy and ask for a "good cough and phlegm medicine"? But did you know that many of the medicines you buy this way contain more than one medicine? Today we're talking about one such commonly used combination medicine. Knowing this and using it correctly is very important for your health.
What is this combination of medicines?
Simply put, this is a combination of three types of medication, each of which does a different job.
- Dextromethorphan: This works by controlling your cough . It works by silencing the cough center in your brain, reducing the frequent, painful coughs.
- Guaifenesin: This works by dissolving and loosening the thick mucus in your chest, allowing you to cough it up more easily.
- Pseudoephedrine: This works by reducing nasal congestion . It causes the blood vessels in the nose to constrict slightly, relieving difficulty breathing.
The most important thing: This medicine only temporarily controls your symptoms (cough, phlegm, stuffy nose). It does not cure the viral or bacterial infection in your body. This means it does not eliminate the cause of the disease, it only reduces the symptoms.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you use a medicine like this, it is imperative to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, as some of the ingredients in this medicine may interact with those conditions.
| Your medical condition | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Some cough syrups may contain sugar, and some ingredients can affect blood sugar levels. |
| High blood pressure or heart disease | Ingredients like pseudoephedrine can further increase blood pressure and heart rate. |
| Glaucoma condition | This medicine may increase eye pressure. |
| Difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate) | This medicine may make it more difficult to urinate. |
| Liver diseases | Medicines are removed from the body by the liver. If the liver is weak, the medicine can accumulate in the body and increase side effects. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is not advisable to take this type of medication during the early months of pregnancy. Be sure to ask your doctor. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | Medicines can pass to the baby through breast milk, so do not take them without medical advice. |
How should I use the medicine?
- Drink with a glass of water. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day while taking this medicine will help to dissolve mucus.
- Correct measurement: Be sure to use the measuring cup or special spoon that comes with the medicine. The measurements of teaspoons and tablespoons at home are not exactly accurate. Therefore, you may take too much or too little medicine.
- If you have an upset stomach: If you feel like you have an upset stomach or heartburn, take the medicine with a meal or a glass of milk.
- If you have trouble sleeping: This medication may cause some people to have trouble sleeping at night. If this happens, take the last dose of the day a few hours before bedtime.
- When giving to children: Never give this medicine to young children without medical advice. It is essential to ask a pediatrician about the dosage and suitability for children.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you've taken too much medication, don't panic and take action immediately.
- Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If possible, call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital and seek advice.
Other medicines that should not be used with this medicine
This is very important. This cough syrup can interact with other medications you are taking. This can cause serious side effects.
| Do not take this medicine with any other medicine. | |
|---|---|
| MAOI type medication | These are old medications used to treat conditions like depression. Taking these two together can cause dangerous conditions like high blood pressure and fever. |
| Some stimulants | These can interact with some stimulant medications used for conditions like ADHD or for weight loss. |
| Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking these. | |
| Medicines for blood pressure | This cough syrup may reduce the effectiveness of your blood pressure medication. |
| Other cough and cold medicines | You may already be taking the same ingredients in this medicine as another medicine, which could increase the dosage unnecessarily. |
| Digoxin (a medicine for heart disease) | Heart rate abnormalities may occur. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) .
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| If any of these occur, see a doctor immediately. | |
| |
| These are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist). | |
|
Let's also learn about the misuse of Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant in this combination medicine, is used recreationally by some people (especially young people). This is very dangerous and can even be life-threatening. Taking more than the recommended dose of any medicine is toxic. It is even more dangerous when taken with things like alcohol. It can also be addictive. So if you or someone you love has this problem, seek medical advice immediately.
Take-Home Message
- These types of cough and cold medications only control the symptoms, they do not cure the cause of the disease.
- Before taking any medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking.
- Always use the measuring cup that comes with your medicine to measure it. Do not use household teaspoons.
- If your symptoms do not improve or worsen after taking the medication for about 5 days, be sure to see a doctor.
- Do not give these medications to young children without medical advice.
- Never overdose on this drug for recreational use. It is very dangerous.
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