When you have a cold, you also get a stuffy nose, a heavy head, body aches, and a fever, right? At times like these, you probably think how great it would be if there was a single medicine for all these symptoms. Ibuprofen and Pseudoephedrine are a combination of medicines that provide relief for several symptoms. Let's talk about this in a little more depth today. Let's clearly understand how to use it, what things to be careful about, and who it is not good for.
What actually happens with this combination of medications?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Ibuprofen: This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is a pain reliever. It reduces your body aches, headaches, and fever.
2. Pseudoephedrine: This is a decongestant. This means that it works by opening up your nasal passages, which are blocked due to a cold, flu, or sinus problem, making it easier to breathe.
So when these two are combined, they provide immediate relief from the two main problems that come with a cold: pain and nasal congestion .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before using this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following health conditions, as this medicine may not be suitable for some people.
| If you have these conditions... | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart surgery | This medicine can further increase blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. |
| Stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems | Ibuprofen increases the risk of stomach bleeding. |
| Kidney or liver disease | This medicine can affect kidney and liver function. |
| Diabetes | This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. |
| Bleeding problems | This can affect blood clotting, which may increase the risk of bleeding. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | This can be dangerous during pregnancy (especially in the last 3 months), and nursing mothers should also seek medical advice. |
| If you are taking MAOI medications | (Very important) Do not take this medicine if you have taken an MAOI (an antidepressant) within the past 14 days. It can cause a dangerous reaction. |
The most important thing is to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, or anything else.
The correct way to use the medicine
- Take this medicine with a glass of water.
- If you feel an upset stomach after taking the medicine, eat some food before taking the medicine.
- Do not lie down after taking the medicine. Sit or stand for at least 10 minutes.
- Follow the instructions on the medicine package exactly. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- If giving this medicine to children under 12 years of age, you should consult a pediatrician.
- People over the age of 65 may react more severely to this medication, so they may need a lower dose. Talk to your doctor about that as well.
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 your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Do not take this lightly.
Be especially careful about these things when taking medication.
1. Stomach bleeding: The ibuprofen in this medicine can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. If you experience symptoms such as stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black, tarry stools, see a doctor immediately. This risk is higher in people who smoke or drink alcohol.
2. Risk of heart attack and stroke: This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this risk may increase with long-term use or if you already have heart disease. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, or numbness on one side of the body.
3. Taking with other painkillers: Do not take other NSAID painkillers like Aspirin and Naproxen while taking this medicine. Doing so will increase the risk of stomach upset and bleeding.
4. Drinking alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. It can increase side effects.
5. Severe skin reactions: Although rare, this medicine can cause severe skin reactions. If you experience red, peeling skin, or blistering skin along with a fever, stop taking the medicine and see a doctor immediately.
6. Pregnancy: Taking this medicine between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy may harm the baby in the womb. Do not take this medicine at all after 30 weeks.
7. Drowsiness and dizziness: Some people may feel drowsy or dizzy after taking this medication. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this affects you.
Possible Side Effects
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Side effects and precautions to take | |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Bleeding | Black stools like tar, vomit like coffee grounds, blood in the urine, red spots on the skin. |
| Heart attack/stroke symptoms | Severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking. |
| Liver/kidney problems | Decreased urine output, dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Insomnia | Try taking the medicine earlier in the day. If it persists, tell your doctor . |
| Other minor ailments | Headache, mild stomach upset, nausea, bloating, restlessness. |
Take-Home Message
- Ibuprofen and Pseudoephedrine are a combination of medications that provide relief from pain, fever, and nasal congestion at the same time.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor about any conditions you have, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, or kidney disease.
- Avoid taking this medicine if you are pregnant, especially in the last 3 months.
- Avoid taking other painkillers (such as aspirin) and alcohol while taking this medicine.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, severe stomach cramps, or severe skin rash, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you take too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Before using any medication, it is safest to talk to a doctor and seek advice.
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