In the cold season, when you get wet in the rain, the cold, the cough, and the feeling of phlegm in your chest are very annoying, aren't they? Sometimes you can't even sleep at night because of this cough and phlegm. When you go to see a doctor at a time like this, there is a good chance that he will prescribe a syrup containing a combination of Guaifenesin and Phenylephrine. So let's talk today, what is this medicine, what exactly does it do to our body, and what are the things we need to be careful about when using it.
What are Guaifenesin and Phenylephrine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. This is used to control your symptoms.
1. Guaifenesin: This is called an 'expectorant'. This means that it works by thinning the thick mucus in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough up. This will reduce the feeling of tightness and heaviness in your chest.
2. Phenylephrine: This is a type of 'decongestant'. When you have a cold, your nose gets stuffy because the small blood vessels inside your nose swell. Phenylephrine works by shrinking those swollen blood vessels, reducing nasal congestion and making it easier to breathe.
It's important to note that this medicine only controls your symptoms, such as your cough and phlegm. That is, it does not cure a virus or bacterial infection in your body. It's like raising an umbrella when it's raining. It stops you getting wet, but it doesn't stop the rain.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before taking any medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Especially before taking this medication, be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the conditions below.
| If you have these conditions | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | Phenylephrine can further increase blood pressure. |
| Heart disease or heart rhythm irregularities | This medicine can affect heart function. |
| Diabetes | Sometimes blood sugar levels can be affected. |
| Thyroid disease | This can be harmful to people with high thyroid hormone levels. |
| Glaucoma condition | There is a possibility of increasing eye pressure. |
| Prostate trouble | Difficulty urinating may increase. |
| If you are taking MAOI antidepressants (for mental illness) | This syrup should not be taken for 2 weeks after stopping MAOI medications, as this can cause a very dangerous reaction. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Avoid taking without medical advice. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | This medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, so ask your doctor. |
How should I use this medicine?
- Drink with a glass of water: Drink a glass of water after taking your medicine. Drinking about 6-8 glasses of water throughout the day is a great way to thin out mucus.
- Correct measurement: Measure the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you. Use the measuring cup or special spoon that comes with the medicine. Do not measure with household teaspoons or rice spoons. Their measurements are not accurate. If you do, you may end up with too much or too little medicine.
- Take it on time: Take your medicine at the prescribed time. Do not take more than the doctor tells you to.
- When giving to children: Although this medicine is sometimes recommended for children over 2 years of age, it is best to discuss this with your pediatrician.
- For the elderly: People over the age of 65 may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger. Therefore, they may need a lower dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you've taken more medicine than you thought, don't panic and take action immediately.
- Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
- Alternatively, call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
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 a double dose.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, not just those prescribed by your doctor, but also over-the-counter medications, vitamins, traditional medicines, and herbal remedies. Some medications may interact with this syrup.
| Medicines that should never be taken together | |
|---|---|
| MAOI antidepressants (e.g. Parnate, Nardil) | Bromocriptine |
| Ergot alkaloids (some medications used for migraines) | Procarbazine (an anticancer drug) |
| Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or alertness. | |
Additionally, medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, and mental illness can interact with this. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Although most people do not experience serious side effects, it is important to be aware of the effects that can sometimes occur.
| Things to report to the doctor immediately | Things to tell the doctor if it persists |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips) | Restlessness, irritability, agitation |
| Difficulty breathing | Headache |
| Rapid or irregular heartbeat | Dizziness |
| High blood pressure | Stomach upset, nausea |
| Tremor or seizure | Appetite |
| Difficulty urinating | Diarrhea |
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen after taking the medicine for about 5 days, be sure to see a doctor again.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine only relieves symptoms like cough and phlegm, it does not eliminate the cause of the disease.
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Do not use household teaspoons to measure medicine.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes) and all other medications you are taking.
- Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day while taking the medication. This will help to remove mucus.
- If you experience difficulty breathing, rapid chest pain, or allergic symptoms after taking the medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
- Always store medicines out of the reach of children, at room temperature.
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