What you need to know about this cough and cold syrup (Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine)

There's nothing worse than a cough and a stuffy nose when you have a cold, right? Sometimes the cough gets worse and your chest hurts. So, at times like these, your doctor may prescribe you a syrup like this. Let's see what exactly this medicine is and what precautions you need to take while using it.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.

1. Hydrocodone: This is a cough suppressant. Specifically, it works by affecting the central nervous system to reduce the occurrence of coughs.

2. Pseudoephedrine: This is a medicine that reduces nasal congestion and runny nose by constricting the blood vessels in the nose. We also call this ``Decongestant``.

So when these two are combined, you get a good solution for both your annoying cough and nasal congestion. This is usually prescribed by doctors to relieve symptoms caused by colds or other respiratory infections.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

This is very important. Before you start taking this medicine, you should give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the following conditions.

• If you have allergies to these medications (`Hydrocodone`, `Pseudoephedrine`) or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you have asthma or other lung/respiratory diseases.
• If you have high blood pressure or heart disease .
• If you have diabetes .
• If you have the eye disease glaucoma .
• If you have thyroid problems.
• If you have kidney or liver disease.
• If you have difficulty urinating.
• If you have a history of head injury or trauma.
• If you have a drug or alcohol addiction.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .
• Most importantly: If you have used MAOI antidepressants (e.g. Carbex, Marplan, Nardil) within the past 14 days, be sure to tell your doctor.

How exactly do you use this syrup?

To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.

• Take only the prescribed dose: Take only the amount prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Never increase the dose.
• Use the correct measurement: Use only the special measuring cup or spoon that comes with this syrup to measure it. You cannot measure the exact amount with the teaspoons or tablespoons you have at home.
• With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with a meal.
• Not suitable for children: This medicine is not approved for use in children. Therefore, do not give it to children without the advice of a doctor.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

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 the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Things to keep in mind when using the medicine

• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Be careful when getting up or sitting down quickly, especially if you are elderly.
• No alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. Alcohol can greatly increase the side effects of the medication, especially drowsiness.
• Constipation: This is a common side effect of this medication. To prevent it , drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, and greens). If you have difficulty defecating for 2-3 days, tell your doctor.
• Dry mouth: You may feel like your mouth is dry. This can be controlled by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on a candy bar, and drinking water frequently.
• Getting used to the medicine: If you take this medicine for a long time, your body may get used to it. This means that the relief from cough may decrease over time. If this happens, tell your doctor. Also, do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause discomfort. If you do stop, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Let's take a look at what they are.

How do you keep this medicine safe?

• Keep away from children: This is very important. Do not keep this medicine within the reach of children. If a child drinks this from their hands, it can have dangerous consequences.
• Keep it in a safe place: Because this medicine can be misused, keep it in a safe place that can be locked to protect it from theft.
• Do not share: This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else for any reason. Doing so is against the law and is dangerous.
• Disposing of leftover medication: If you have any leftover medication, mix it with something like cat litter or ground coffee grounds, put it in a tightly sealed container, and throw it away. Do not use expired medication.
• Storage: Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).

Cough, Phlegm, Syrup, Honey, Hydrocodone, Pseudoephedrine, Side Effects, Medication, Respiratory Diseases, Nasal Congestion