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

There's nothing more annoying than a persistent cough and a stuffy nose when you have a cold, right? Sometimes when these conditions get severe, your doctor may prescribe a medicine like this. So today, let's talk about this syrup made from a combination of two drugs called Hydrocodone and Pseudoephedrine. This is a medicine that mainly controls cough and reduces nasal congestion.

What are the things I need to tell the doctor before using this medicine?

It is very important for your doctor to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, before you take this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

How exactly do I use this medicine?

Consider these points when using this medicine.

• Follow your doctor's instructions: Follow the dosage and timing exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
• Shake well: Shake the bottle well before use.
• Use an accurate measure: Use a special spoon, cup, or measuring cup provided for the purpose to measure the medicine. Measuring with household teaspoons is not always accurate.
• Taking with food: If you experience stomach upset, take the medicine with a meal.
• Not suitable for children: This medicine is not approved for use in children. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, you should talk to a pediatrician about it.
• If you are over 60 years old: Older people may feel the effects of this medicine a little more strongly. So be more aware of the side effects.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Treat this as an emergency.

Are there any other medications that should not be taken with this medicine?

Yes. This medicine may interact with some other medicines, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).

Especially do not take this medicine with the following:

• Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and dangerous breathing problems.
• MAOI-type medications: Taking this syrup with this type of medication for depression is very dangerous.
• Stimulant medications for attention deficit disorder or weight loss.

Additionally, many medications, such as allergy medications, pain relievers (especially narcotics), psychiatric medications, high blood pressure medications, and muscle relaxants, can interact with this medication. So give your doctor a complete list.

Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine

• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when standing or sitting up suddenly.
• Tolerance: When you use this medicine continuously, the cough relief it provides may decrease over time. This is called tolerance. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
• Stopping the medication: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. Doing so may cause severe reactions. Since your body is used to the medication, if you stop, you should do so gradually, reducing the dosage as directed by your doctor. This does not mean that you are addicted to the medication.
• Constipation: This medicine may cause constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days, inform your doctor. Drinking plenty of water and eating a high-fiber diet may help.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.

How to store and dispose of medicine safely?

This is very important. This medicine can be misused, so it is your responsibility to protect it.

• Keep away from children: Keep the medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children.
• Protect against theft: Since this medicine can be misused, it is best to keep it in a lockable place.
• Disposing of leftover medicine: When you have finished using the medicine or it has expired, do not just throw the rest in the trash. It can be fatal if someone else, a child, or a pet ingests it. Mix the leftover medicine with something like cat litter or ground coffee grounds and put it in a container, such as a tightly sealed coffee can, and dispose of it.
• Storage: Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius).

Cough, Phlegm, Hydrocodone, Pseudoephedrine, Cough Syrup, Side Effects, Medication