Mucus is filled, the throat is blocked, and to top it all off, the nose is also very stuffy... It's very uncomfortable at times like this, isn't it? Sometimes the doctor may have prescribed you a pill for this condition. That's what we're going to talk about today. It contains a combination of two main types of medication. They are Guaifenesin and Phenylephrine. Let's see what this medication actually does, and what precautions you need to take while using it.
What really happens with these two medications?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. They do two things.
- Guaifenesin: This is an expectorant. This means that it helps thin out the thick, sticky mucus in your chest and make it easier to cough up. Think of it like diluting a thick paste with water. This will loosen the mucus and make it easier to breathe.
- Phenylephrine: This is a decongestant. That is, it reduces the swelling of the blood vessels inside the nose that cause nasal congestion. When this swelling decreases, the congestion inside the nose disappears, and breathing becomes much easier.
The most important thing is that this medicine only controls symptoms such as cough and nasal congestion. It does not cure an infection in your body. This means that it is not a treatment for a bacterial or viral infection.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medication to you, it is essential that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health status | Why should I notify? (Brief explanation) |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | Phenylephrine can further increase blood pressure. |
| Heart disease or heart rhythm irregularities | This medicine can affect the heart rate. |
| Diabetes | Sometimes blood sugar levels can be affected. |
| Thyroid disease | Thyroid patients are at higher risk of side effects. |
| Glaucoma | Eye pressure may increase. |
| Prostate trouble | Difficulty urinating may occur. |
| Taking MAOI medications | If you have taken an MAOI (used to treat conditions such as depression) within the past 14 days, it can cause a very dangerous reaction . |
Additionally, be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding . Also, don't forget to tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to this medication or any other medicine, food, or dye.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
- Drink this medicine with a full glass of water . This will further help thin the mucus.
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Never take more than the prescribed dose.
- Do not crush or crush these pills. Swallow them as is.
- If you experience stomach upset, take the medicine with a meal or a glass of milk.
- If given to children: This medicine is sometimes given to children over 6 years of age. But talk to your pediatrician about it and only do it on his/her advice.
- People over 60 years of age: If you are older, you may react more strongly to this medicine. So you may need a lower dose. Talk to your doctor about that too.
What if you 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 two doses at once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when taking this medicine
- Drink plenty of water: Drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water a day while taking this medicine will help thin the mucus and help you feel better.
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve after taking the medication for about 5 days, or if they get worse, be sure to see your doctor again.
- Insomnia: Some people may have trouble sleeping at night after taking this medication. If this happens, take the last dose of the day a few hours before bedtime.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| • Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face | • Difficulty breathing |
| • Rapid or irregular heartbeat | • High blood pressure |
| • Seizure | • Tremor |
| • Mental confusion, seeing things that are not there (Hallucinations) | • Difficulty urinating |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| • Headache | • Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea |
| • Restlessness, restlessness | • Loss of appetite |
| • Dizziness | |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Interactions with other medications
Other medications you are taking may interact with this medicine. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). This can be especially true if you take MAOIs, heart or high blood pressure medications, or psychiatric medications .
Take-Home Message
- This medicine only reduces symptoms such as mucus and nasal congestion. It does not cure an infection in the body.
- Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day while taking the medicine. This will help thin the mucus and help you recover faster.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes) and all other medications you are taking.
- Do not take more than the dose prescribed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the pills.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else.
- Keep the medicine out of the reach of children, at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Throw away expired medicine.
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