Do you sometimes feel like your body is going numb and your limbs are going weak? This can be a very strange experience. This happens because of a condition that occurs when the potassium level in our body suddenly decreases or increases. This is called 'Periodic Paralysis' in medical science. So today we are going to talk about a special medicine called Dichlorphenamide that is used to treat this condition.
What is this Dichlorphenamide?
Simply put, dichlorphenamide is a diuretic, which means it helps remove excess fluid from the body. But its main function is to control the condition we talked about earlier, 'Periodic Paralysis.' That is, this medicine helps control sudden muscle weakness caused by an abnormal decrease or increase in the body's potassium level. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for you under the brand name `Keveyis.'
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This medicine is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he/she will need to know a complete description of your health condition. In particular, be sure to tell him/her about the following:
| Your condition or habit | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Adrenal gland problems or Cushing's syndrome | When these hormonal problems are present, the way this medication affects the body's salt balance may change. |
| Liver disease | Like many medications, the liver helps remove this one from the body. If the liver is weak, the medication can build up in the body and increase side effects. |
| Lung or breathing disease | Because this drug affects the body's acid-base balance, it may have adverse effects on people with respiratory diseases. |
| If you use aspirin regularly | Adverse interactions between aspirin and this medication may occur, especially if aspirin is taken in high doses. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | If you are allergic to sulfonamides, you may also be allergic to this medicine. So be sure to tell your doctor about it. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | There is still no complete information about whether this medication will affect an unborn or breastfeeding baby. Therefore, it is essential to talk to your doctor about this. |
How should I use the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple.
- This is to be taken orally as a pill.
- Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day . That way you won't forget.
- Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes, for the full duration of the treatment. Never stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
- If you are giving this medicine to children, special care may be required. Ask your doctor about this.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
Imagine that you have taken more than the prescribed amount of medicine. If that happens , don't delay. Immediately call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never give your medicine to anyone else.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
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 two doses at once.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, as some medications can interact with dichlorphenamide and cause adverse effects.
| Medicines that should never be taken with this medicine | |
|---|---|
| High-dose aspirin | |
| Other medications that may cause problems | |
| Aspirin (normal doses) | Some antivirals given for HIV or Hepatitis |
| Other diuretics (e.g. Furosemide) | Famotidine, Laxatives |
| Metformin for diabetes | Medicines for fungal infections |
| Methotrexate, Oseltamivir, Probenecid | Penicillin antibiotics, Theophylline |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you take. Also, don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful, especially if you are elderly, when getting up suddenly from a standing position or from a sitting position. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
- Blood tests: Your doctor will order blood tests when you start taking this medicine. This is because this medicine can affect the levels of potassium and other salts in your body. These tests are done to check for this. So, don't skip them.
- Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve, or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor immediately.
What side effects can be seen?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Mental changes | Confusion, memory loss. |
| Skin problems | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Symptoms of low potassium | Muscle pain or twitching, chest pain, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of increased acidity in the body | Rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, headache, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Taste changes | Diarrhea |
| Nausea | Numbness, pain in the limbs |
| Tiredness | |
This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How should you store your medicine?
To maintain the quality of medicines, they must be stored correctly.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
- Never use expired medications . Dispose of them properly.
Take-Home Message
- Dichlorphenamide is a medication that should be taken only as directed by your doctor.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all other medications you are taking, especially allergies to aspirin and sulfa drugs.
- If you feel drowsy or dizzy while taking the medicine, do not drive or engage in hazardous activities.
- If you experience any serious symptoms of an allergy (skin rash, swelling), difficulty breathing, or confusion, seek medical advice immediately.
- Continue taking the medicine as long as your doctor tells you to. Do not stop taking the medicine arbitrarily for any reason.
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