You too must have suffered for days with a cough, phlegm, and a stuffy nose, right? Sometimes this illness is so severe that you feel like a quick cure is not worth it. Today, we are talking about a syrup that a doctor might prescribe, which contains a combination of three types of medicine.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
Although this may seem like one drug, it is actually a combination of three main types of drugs. Each of them does a different job.
1. Dihydrocodeine: This is a slightly pungent, opioid-like cough suppressant. Its main function is to control the cough by going to the brain.
2. Chlorpheniramine: This is an antihistamine that helps control symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing.
3. Phenylephrine: This is a decongestant. It constricts the blood vessels inside the nose, reducing nasal congestion and making it easier to breathe.
So, the combination of these three will provide relief from many symptoms such as cough, runny nose, stuffy nose, and red eyes caused by your cold, allergies, or flu .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Since this is a somewhat potent medication, it may interact with other medical conditions in your body. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to inform your doctor before taking this medication.
| Disease or condition | Why should we inform? (Simply) |
|---|---|
| Asthma or other lung problems | Because this can cause breathing difficulties. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure | Because blood pressure and heart rate may change. |
| Diabetes | May affect sugar levels. |
| Glaucoma condition | Because it may increase eye pressure. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The process of eliminating the medicine from the body may be affected. |
| Thyroid problems | Symptoms may worsen. |
| Difficulty urinating | This situation is likely to worsen. |
| A history of alcohol or drug use | Because of the high risk of addiction and side effects to the drug. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This is very important as it can be harmful to the baby. |
| Allergy to other medications, foods, or substances | To check for the possibility of allergies to this medicine. |
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the amount prescribed.
- Drink this with a glass of water. If you feel like you have an upset stomach, eat some food and take the medicine.
- Most importantly: Use only the special plastic cup or spoon that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons. They will not give you an accurate measurement. Avoid overfilling.
- Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by the doctor. Don't take it too often.
- Giving to children: This medicine is not approved for use in children. Therefore, never give it to children without the advice of a doctor.
Attention: If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, that is, if you overdose, you should immediately go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
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 both the missed dose and the next dose at the same time.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with this syrup and cause dangerous side effects, so be especially careful with this.
| Don't take this syrup with these! | |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | It severely increases drowsiness and breathing difficulties. |
| MAOIs are medications used to treat mental illness. | Very severe, even life-threatening reactions can occur. |
| Sleeping pills, anxiety medications | Unbearable drowsiness and confusion may occur. |
| Other painkillers (Opiates) or cough/allergy medicines | Side effects can compound and become severe. |
Additionally, medications for blood pressure, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, antifungals, some antibiotics, and many other types of medications may interact with this syrup.
Therefore, before your doctor prescribes this medication, give him or her a complete list of all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Also, tell him or her if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel very sleepy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Constipation: This is a common side effect of this medication. Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables). If you are unable to go to the bathroom for 3 days, call your doctor.
- Dry mouth and dry eyes: Chewing sugar-free gum or drinking water can help relieve dry mouth. If your eyes are dry, ask your doctor about lubricating eye drops.
- Drug tolerance: If you take this for a long time, your body may get used to the drug and the cough relief may decrease. Also, if you stop taking the drug suddenly, you may experience discomfort. Therefore, do not stop taking the drug without your doctor's advice.
What are the possible side effects?
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Severe drowsiness/loss of consciousness (CNS depression) | Slow breathing, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, difficulty waking up. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, chest tightness. |
| Changes in blood pressure | Dizziness, blue eyes, fainting (low blood pressure) or high blood pressure. |
| Vision changes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, and seeing rings around lights. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor side effects | Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, upset stomach. |
Take-Home Message
- This is not an ordinary cough syrup, but a powerful combination of three medications. Therefore , do not take it without a doctor's prescription.
- It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking and all the medical conditions you have.
- Do not use the spoons you have at home to measure your medicine, but use the measuring cup that comes with the medicine.
- Avoid driving and other activities that require attention, as drinking this can cause severe drowsiness.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give it to anyone else. It is illegal and very dangerous.
- If you accidentally take too much, go to a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately.
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