Are you tired of constantly catching colds, having a stuffy nose, and running a runny nose? Or do you get sneezed and red eyes when you get a little dusty? Sometimes you can't stand up with your head down because of a sinus problem, right? One of the medicines that doctors can give us at times like these is this honey medicine that contains a combination of diphenhydramine and phenylephrine. This usually comes in the form of a syrup.
What really happens with this medicine?
Okay, let's see what happens with the ingredients in this medicine. This medicine mainly contains two types of chemicals.
1. Diphenhydramine : This belongs to the group of medicines called antihistamines . Simply put, when you have an allergy, that is, when you touch something, our body releases a chemical called histamine. It is because of that histamine that things like a runny nose, itchy eyes, and body aches happen. So, what this medicine called diphenhydramine does is reduce the activity of that histamine. Then those allergic symptoms gradually decrease.
2. Phenylephrine : This is a type of medicine called a decongestant . When you have a cold or sinus infection, your nose gets stuffy. This happens because the small blood vessels inside your nose swell. What phenylephrine does is to shrink those swollen blood vessels. This reduces the stuffiness in your nose and makes it easier to breathe.
So, the combination of these two medicines will provide relief from your allergy symptoms, stuffy nose, and runny nose caused by colds. But remember one thing, this medicine only controls the symptoms, it does not cure the infection that caused the illness . For example, if you have a sore throat with mucus due to a bacterial infection, this medicine may reduce the mucus and stuffy nose, but you will still need to take a separate antibiotic to kill the bacteria.
Doctors may use this medicine for other reasons as well, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
Before you start using this medicine, there are a few things you should definitely tell your doctor or the person at the pharmacy who gives you the medicine. Because not all medicines work for everyone. This medicine may not be suitable for people with certain diseases, or for people who are taking certain other medicines. Or there may be other things to be careful about.
Here are the things to be informed:
- If you have diabetes (`Diabetes Mellitus`) . That means sugar disease.
- Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure in the eyes increases.
- If you have heart disease .
- If you have high blood pressure .
- If you have a stomach ulcer or intestinal obstruction.
- If you have any thyroid disease .
- You should also tell your doctor if you have used a medicine called an MAOI (such as `Carbex`, `Eldepryl`, `Marplan`, `Nardil`, `Parnate`) in the past 14 days . This MAOI is a type of medicine used to treat certain mental illnesses.
- If you have trouble passing urine.
- If you are allergic to diphenhydramine, phenylephrine, or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative contained in this medicine , or if you have had an allergy in the past.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
If you tell us these things accurately, the doctor can decide exactly whether to give you this medicine or not, if so, how much to give, and what precautions to take.
How should I use this medicine?
This is an oral suspension. It is usually taken with a glass of water. The most important thing is to take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time, and in the right amount .
- You need to shake the medicine bottle well before using it. Because this is a `suspension`, the medicine powder is not dissolved in the water, but rather suspended. If you don't shake it, you won't get the right amount of medicine.
- When measuring medication, use a specially designed measuring spoon, cup, or dropper that comes with it. Do not use teaspoons or rice spoons at home to measure. They are not accurate. If you do, you will either get too little or too much medicine. If you do not have a measuring device that works for you, ask the pharmacy for one.
- Take your medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the doctor has prescribed, often.
If given to young children:
Doctors sometimes prescribe this medicine to children as young as two years old, but only in very special cases. So if you are giving this medicine to your child, be sure to talk to a pediatrician and give it exactly as he or she recommends, in the amount he or she recommends . You need to be very careful when giving medicine to young children.
People over 65 years of age:
Older people may experience a slightly stronger effect of this medicine. This means that they may experience more drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, your doctor may give you a slightly lower dose.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share your medicine with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake or ignorance, do not delay for a minute and go immediately to the emergency department of the nearest hospital, or call 1990 for an ambulance . Or call a poison control center. Taking too much medicine can be dangerous.
What if I miss my medication?
If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember (for example, less than two hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason . Doing so may make you feel like you have taken too much medicine.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
This is a very important point. When you take this diphenhydramine and phenylephrine syrup, it can "interact" with some other medications you are taking. That is, the medications can affect how each other works. Sometimes the effects of one medication may be increased, sometimes they may be decreased, or new side effects may occur.
Never take this honey with the following medications:
- Bromocriptine
- Ergot alkaloids (e.g. dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine)
- MAOI medications (e.g. `Carbex`, `Eldepryl`, `Marplan`, `Nardil`, `Parnate`). (We have already said that you should not take this honey for 14 days after using these.)
- Stimulant medicines are given for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake.
This medicine may interact with the following, so you should tell your doctor if you are taking any of these:
- Alcohol ( can cause severe drowsiness when taken with alcohol)
- Atropine
- Barbiturates (e.g. phenobarbital) - These are medications that make you sleepy.
- Bretylium
- Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, and some soft drinks)
- Digoxin (a medicine for heart disease)
- Linezolid (an antibiotic)
- Mecamylamine
- Medications for depression, anxiety, or other psychotic disturbances.
- Other medicines that help you sleep (`medicines for sleep`).
- Muscle relaxants.
- Narcotic medicines for pain (e.g. tramadol, morphine).
- Other medicines for colds, coughs, or allergies (they may also contain similar ingredients).
- Procarbazine (an anticancer drug)
- St. John's Wort (a traditional herb taken by some for mental well-being)
- Theophylline (a medicine used to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma)
This list does not include all medications. Therefore, it is best to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (prescribed by your doctor, purchased at the pharmacy, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and even dietary supplements) . Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal drugs. These can interact with this medication and cause adverse effects.
Things to be careful about when taking this medicine
- If your symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine for a few days, or if they seem to get worse, see your doctor again immediately .
- While taking this medicine, your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). This means that your skin may burn, turn red, or get sunburned more quickly. Therefore, avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. If you are going to be in the sun, wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen . Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
- You may feel drowsy or dizzy when taking this medicine. This is normal. Therefore, do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Don't get up or sit down suddenly, especially if you are elderly. Doing so can cause dizziness and fall (postural hypotension). Change positions frequently.
- Taking this medicine with alcohol can make drowsiness and dizziness worse . Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this medicine may cause side effects, although not everyone will get them. Some of them are quite serious, and if you experience them, you should tell your doctor immediately .
Side effects that require immediate medical attention:
- Allergic reactions : Skin rash, hives, severe itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, and tongue), difficulty breathing.
- Anxiety, nervousness, or restlessness.
- Breathing problems .
- Changes in blood pressure (suddenly high or low blood pressure).
- Changes in vision (such as blurred vision, double vision).
- Fast or irregular heartbeat .
- Problems with balance, talking, or walking.
- Seizure .
- Trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Unusually weak or tired.
Side effects that do not usually require medical attention, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:
- Dry eyes or mouth.
- Headache.
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Stomach upset.
- Trouble sleeping.
This list may not include all side effects. If you experience any of these, or any unusual side effects that are not listed, after taking this medicine, talk to your doctor about it. You may also want to report these side effects to agencies such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
How should I store this medicine?
- This medicine should be kept out of the reach of children and out of their reach . This is very important.
- It is best to store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius / 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not expose to extreme heat, cold, or moisture. Do not store in places like the bathroom.
- Keep the medicine bottle tightly closed .
- Never use expired medications . Dispose of them properly. Ask your pharmacy for instructions on how to dispose of them properly.
Please note: This article is only a summary of this medicine. It does not contain all the details. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
The most important things we need to remember
Okay, so let's recap the most important points we've discussed about this diphenhydramine and phenylephrine-containing nasal spray.
1. Follow your doctor's instructions: Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, in the amount prescribed, and at the time prescribed. Do not take it more, less, or more often.
2. Tell your doctor about your health: Don't forget to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure), and any other medications you take (even vitamins).
3. Be aware of side effects: If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, inform your doctor about them, especially the serious side effects we discussed earlier.
4. Store properly: Keep medicines out of the reach of children. Do not use expired medicines.
5. Do not share this medicine with others: This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others.
Simply put, although this medicine provides good relief from the symptoms of colds, allergies, and sinus problems, you need to be very careful when using it. We wish you a speedy recovery by using the medicine correctly!
` Diphenhydramine, phenylephrine, cold, allergy, nasal congestion, decongestant, antihistamine, decongestant
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