When you have a cold, your nose is blocked and you can't breathe, isn't it very annoying? Or sometimes your nose runs like water. Especially for young children, it's very difficult, they can't eat or sleep properly. So at times like this, a doctor can prescribe a syrup for you or your baby. Today we're talking about Pseudoephedrine, a medicine that is commonly used for things like nasal congestion and runny nose.
Simply put, what is Pseudoephedrine?
Pseudoephedrine is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called decongestants . Imagine that when you have a cold, the tiny blood vessels inside your nose swell. That swelling is what causes your nose to get stuffy, your sinuses to tighten, and your head to feel heavy.
This medicine works by reducing that swelling, relieving the congestion inside your nose, and helping you breathe easier. Therefore, this medicine is used to treat conditions like nasal congestion, runny nose, and sinus pressure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is a very important part. Before prescribing Pseudoephedrine to you, it is essential that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. This medicine is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Illness or condition | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | This medicine can increase blood pressure further. |
| Heart disease | It can increase heart rate, which can be dangerous for heart patients. |
| Diabetes | May have some effect on blood sugar levels. |
| Thyroid disease | Symptoms may worsen. |
| Glaucoma | Eye pressure can increase. |
| Prostate trouble | Difficulty urinating may increase. |
| Kidney disease | Because it takes time for the medication to leave the body, the dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| Taking MAOI medications | If you are taking or have taken MAOI medications (e.g. Parnate, Nardil) for mental illness, or have taken them in the past 14 days, taking this medication can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is mandatory to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding | This medicine may pass into breast milk. |
The correct way to use the medicine
Be aware of these points when using this medicine.
- Correct dosage: Always take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Never reduce, increase, or take the dose too often.
- Measuring cup: Use only the specially marked measuring spoon or cup provided with this medicine. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons. They are not accurate and may cause an incorrect dose.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take your medicine, 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. Do not take double doses.
When given to young children and the elderly
Usually, a doctor can prescribe this medicine to children over 2 years of age. But only under the strict supervision of a doctor. Since people over 65 years of age may feel the effects of this medicine more, they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
Important: The medicine your doctor has prescribed is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if your symptoms are similar.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken an overdose, do not panic and take immediate action. Call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things that should not be taken with this medicine and what side effects may occur
Pseudoephedrine can interact with some other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Avoid taking Pseudoephedrine with these | |
|---|---|
| MAOI drugs | A type of medication used to treat depression. Taking these two together can cause a hypertensive crisis. |
| Stimulant-type drugs | Stimulant medications for attention disorders or weight loss. |
| Ergot alkaloids | A type of medicine given for diseases such as migraine. |
| Ask your doctor if you are taking these together. | |
| |
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Pseudoephedrine can cause side effects in some people.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Heart palpitations | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, loud, or irregularly. |
| Increased blood pressure | Symptoms such as severe headache and dizziness. |
| Things that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Anxiety, nervousness | Headache |
| Trouble sleeping | |
If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if they get worse or you develop a fever, be sure to see a doctor again.
Take-Home Message
- Pseudoephedrine is a medicine that is used to treat nasal congestion and runny nose, but it is not suitable for everyone.
- Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma) and all other medications you take.
- Use only the special measuring cup or spoon provided with the medicine to measure it. Do not use kitchen spoons at home.
- If you experience a severe side effect such as severe allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, or rapid chest pain, seek medical advice immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- Do not share the medicine your doctor has prescribed with others.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න