Sometimes we have a cough that feels like a panacea. A cough that doesn't produce mucus, is dry, persistent, and keeps us up at night, right? At times like these, a doctor can prescribe a special cough medicine for you. This is not like a regular cough syrup you can buy at a pharmacy. Today we're talking about a powerful medicine that you can only use if your doctor prescribes it.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, it's a combination of two medications: Guaifenesin and Hydrocodone . It comes in pill or capsule form. The main thing it does is temporarily control your dry, irritating cough without phlegm.
Think about it, coughing is a protective mechanism in our body. But sometimes this process becomes too active and becomes a nuisance. Here, the part called hydrocodone works by weakening the signal to the brain to "induce coughing." Therefore, frequent coughing decreases. The part called guaifenesin sometimes helps to thin the secretions in the respiratory tract. But the main function of this medicine is to stop a dry cough.
The most important thing is that this should only be used under the advice of a doctor, as it contains powerful ingredients.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. This is because some medical conditions can make it dangerous to use this medication with. If any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Disease or condition | Why do you need to talk about it? |
|---|---|
| A brain tumor, a head injury | This medicine can increase pressure in the brain. |
| Lung diseases like asthma, breathing difficulties | The medicine may make breathing more difficult. |
| Previous drug or alcohol addiction | There is a risk of addiction to this medicine. |
| Kidney or liver disease | It can be difficult to get the medicine out of your body. |
| Low blood pressure | This medicine can lower blood pressure further. |
| Heart disease, heart rhythm disorders | Heart function may be affected. |
| Addison's disease, thyroid disease | Hormonal balance can be affected. |
| Mental illness, seizures | Symptoms may worsen or problems may occur. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | It is essential to talk about this because it can harm the baby. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes | The possibility of an allergy to this medicine should also be checked. |
How to use the medicine?
As the doctor says, the most important thing is to take the right dose at the right time.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush, or chew this tablet/capsule. Swallow it whole. Doing so could cause the entire dose of medicine to be absorbed into the body at once and cause dangerous side effects.
- If you feel like you have an upset stomach, drink it with a meal or a glass of milk.
- If your doctor has prescribed this medicine for you to take every day, do not stop taking it suddenly. Your body has become accustomed to this medicine, so stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. If necessary, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.
- This medicine is not approved for children, so do not give it to children without first talking to a pediatrician.
- If you are over 65, you may be more likely to experience the side effects of this medicine (such as drowsiness), so a lower dose may be prescribed.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't delay. Call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
This medicine can interact with some other medications and cause dangerous side effects. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Do not take this medicine with anything. | |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Drowsiness and difficulty breathing can become very severe. |
| MAOIs (a type of medication used to treat depression) | Very severe, life-threatening reactions may occur. |
| Sleeping pills, anxiety medications | Excessive drowsiness and shortness of breath may occur. |
| Other strong painkillers or cough medicines (Narcotics/Opiates) | There is a serious risk of increased side effects. |
| Problems can also occur with this medication (inform the doctor) | |
| Some medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | Increases drowsiness and dry mouth. |
| Some antibiotics and antifungals | The level of this medicine in the body can be altered. |
| Some medications for HIV/AIDS | Both medications may affect the way they work. |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, and herbal remedy you take. If you smoke, don't forget to tell him/her about it too.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Drowsiness and dizziness
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, stand up slowly when you get up from a sitting position or out of bed. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.
Constipation
A common side effect of these medications is constipation. To prevent this, drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables). If you are unable to go to the bathroom for 2-3 days, talk to your doctor about it.
Dry mouth
Dry mouth is another side effect. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water can help. If this is bothersome, talk to your doctor.
What side effects can occur?
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Breathing is slow, labored. |
| Severe confusion | Unthinkable, disorientation. |
| Symptoms of low blood pressure | Severe dizziness, feeling like your eyes are turning blue, feeling like you're about to fall, extreme fatigue. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Constipation | Difficulty going to the toilet. |
| Dry mouth | A feeling of saliva stuck in the mouth. |
| Nausea, vomiting | Nausea and vomiting. |
| Fatigue | Feeling of general fatigue. |
How do you protect your medicine?
- Keep out of the reach of children and in a place where they cannot open it. This medicine can be fatal if swallowed by a child.
- This medicine can be abused, so keep it in a safe place where thieves can't get it.
- Do not share this medicine with others. While it may be good for you, it may be dangerous for someone else. Doing so is illegal and dangerous.
- Do not use after the expiration date.
- If you have any unused medicine left over, mix it with cat litter or ground coffee, put it in a tightly sealed container, and throw it away.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine should only be used on the advice of a doctor, for a dry, bothersome cough.
- It is essential to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Swallow the pill/capsule whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. Be very careful when driving.
- If you experience any severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, severe confusion, or allergic symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
- Store this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children.
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