Sometimes you have a cough that you can't stop. It doesn't produce mucus, but it keeps coming out, your chest hurts, and you can't sleep at night. It doesn't get better with regular cough syrup. At times like these, a doctor may prescribe you a special, slightly stronger medicine. Today we're going to talk about one such medicine.
What kind of medicine is this? (Guaifenesin; Hydrocodone)
This is not like the cough medicine we usually buy at the pharmacy. This is a combination of two types of medicine. Simply put:
- Guaifenesin: This works by thinning the mucus in your chest (if any) and helping to expel it.
- Hydrocodone: This is the main and most powerful ingredient in this medication. It is a pain reliever and works directly on the cough center in your brain, temporarily stopping the cough. Since it is an opioid, it should only be taken under medical supervision .
This medicine is mainly given to temporarily stop a dry, uncontrollable cough without mucus .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
This medicine does not work for everyone, so it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell them about it.
| Information type | Situations you should report |
|---|---|
| Current medical conditions | A brain tumor, head injury, lung disease such as asthma, heart disease, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, thyroid disease, pancreatic disease, gallbladder disease, Addison's disease, mental illness, seizures, intestinal or stomach problems, difficulty urinating. |
| Habits and history | If you are a frequent drinker or have a history of drug or alcohol addiction. |
| Other special occasions | If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or have had an allergic reaction to Hydrocodone, Guaifenesin, or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
How should I use this medicine?
- With a glass of water: Take this pill with a full glass of water.
- Before or after meals: You can take it before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- On time: Take the exact amount prescribed by your doctor, at the exact time. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
- Giving to children: This medicine is not approved for use in children. Therefore, do not give it to children without the advice of a pediatrician.
Most importantly: This medicine is for you only. Do not give this medicine to someone else who has the same symptoms as you. It can be dangerous.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
This can be a very dangerous situation. If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I forget to take my 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 two doses at the same time.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It can be dangerous to take some other medications while taking this medicine, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal products).
| Drug category | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| Things that should never be taken with this medicine | |
| Alcohol | Any type of alcohol. |
| MAOI drugs | Medications for depression such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate. |
| Other medications that can cause problems | |
| Sleep-inducing medication | Allergy and cold medications (antihistamines), anxiety or sleep medications. |
| Other narcotic drugs (Opiates) | Other strong painkillers or cough medicines. |
| Medication for depression and seizures | Medications such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital. |
| Anesthetics and numbing medications | Things like halothane, propofol, lidocaine. |
| Other | Some medications for HIV/AIDS, antifungals (ketoconazole), some antibiotics (clarithromycin), and medications for Parkinson's disease. |
Be aware of these things when taking medication.
Drowsiness and dizziness
This medicine may make you feel very sleepy and dizzy . So, until you know how this medicine affects you, do not drive or operate machinery. Especially if you are an elderly person, be careful when getting up from a sitting position or sitting down suddenly. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falling. Drinking alcohol can make this sleepiness worse, so avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
Constipation and dry mouth
Another common side effect of this medication is constipation. If you don't have a bowel movement after 2-3 days, tell your doctor. You may also experience dry mouth. Drinking plenty of water, chewing sugar-free gum, or sipping soup can help.
Tolerance and Dependence
When you take this medicine for a long time, your body can get used to it. This means that over time, you may feel less relief from the medicine (tolerance). Also, when your body gets used to the medicine (dependence), you may have problems if you stop taking it suddenly. This is not an addiction. If your doctor decides to stop taking the medicine, he will gradually reduce the dose.
What side effects can you experience?
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, blurred vision, fainting, extreme fatigue. |
| Other | Confusion, difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation, nausea, vomiting. |
| Other | Dry mouth, fatigue. |
How to store medicine safely?
This is a powerful medicine, so keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets . This medicine can be misused, so protect it from theft. Dispose of any unused medicine by mixing it with coffee grounds or cat litter, putting it in a tightly sealed container, and discarding it. Do not use expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- This is a strong medicine for severe, dry coughs that must be prescribed by a doctor, not a syrup for a normal cough.
- Before taking the medicine, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all other medications you are taking.
- Avoid driving while taking this medicine as it may cause severe drowsiness. Avoid drinking alcohol completely.
- Never take more than the doctor prescribed. Overdosing is very dangerous.
- Keep the medicine out of the reach of children and others. Dispose of any leftover medicine properly.
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