Mucus, cold, stuffy nose, constant sneezing... We all know how uncomfortable we are at times like these. So, there are medications that we use to get relief from these symptoms. Today we are going to talk about one of the most commonly used medications. It is a combination of two medications called Pseudoephedrine and Triprolidine.
What exactly is this type of medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Pseudoephedrine: This is a decongestant . This means it works by reducing nasal congestion and the discomfort caused by mucus, making it easier for you to breathe.
2. Triprolidine: This is an antihistamine . It is used to control symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, and itching caused by allergies.
It's important to remember that this medicine only controls your symptoms. This means it doesn't kill the virus or bacteria that caused your cold.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you use this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any underlying health problems, as this medicine is not suitable for everyone.
| Health status / information | Why is it important? (brief explanation) |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | The pseudoephedrine contained in this medicine can further increase blood pressure. |
| Diabetes | It may have some effect on blood sugar levels. |
| Heart disease | It can affect heart function. |
| Glaucoma condition | Eye pressure can increase. |
| Hyperthyroidism | Symptoms may worsen. |
| Kidney disease | The elimination of the medication from the body may be delayed. |
| Respiratory diseases (such as asthma, COPD) | Sometimes it can make breathing difficult. |
| Prostate problems | It can cause difficulty urinating. |
| Stomach ulcers or intestinal problems | These situations can be serious. |
| If you have taken MAOI medication in the past 14 days | Taking these two medications together can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Do not take without medical advice. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The baby can take the medicine with milk. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Take this medicine with a glass of water. Take it exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Never take more than the prescribed dose.
If this medicine is given to children, especially children under 6 years of age, it should be given only as directed by a doctor . Also, if you are over 65 years of age, your body may respond more strongly to this medicine, so you may need a lower dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Treat this as an emergency.
This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Never share your medicine with others. It can be dangerous.
What other medications should not be taken with this medicine?
Some medications can interact with this medicine and cause dangerous conditions. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
- Medicines that should never be taken together:
- MAOI antidepressants (e.g. Marplan, Nardil, Parnate)
- Ergot alkaloids are migraine medications.
- Things to be very careful about when combining:
- Alcohol
- Medicine that calms the mind and induces sleep
- Some medications for high blood pressure and heart disease
- Other medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine)
- Medicines for seizures
- Anesthesia medication for surgery
- Painkillers (especially narcotics)
- Other antihistamines for colds and allergies
- Thyroid hormones
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy when taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you. Drinking alcohol may increase this drowsiness.
- Dry mouth and eyes: You may experience a dry mouth. This can be reduced by chewing sugarless gum and drinking more water. You can also use lubricating eye drops if your eyes feel dry. If these problems persist, tell your doctor.
- See your doctor: If your symptoms do not improve after using this medicine for about 7 days, or if they get worse, be sure to see your doctor again.
Possible side effects
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue |
| Increased blood pressure | Severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing |
| Seizures | Sudden seizure |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability or difficulty urinating |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Anxiety | Feeling restless, anxious |
| Dizziness | Dizziness |
| Dry eyes and mouth | Dry eyes and mouth |
| Insomnia | Trouble sleeping |
| Feeling unusually tired | Unusually weak or tired |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is used only to control the symptoms of colds and allergies. It does not cure the underlying infection.
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and all other medications you are taking.
- This medicine may make you feel drowsy. Therefore, avoid dangerous activities such as driving.
- If symptoms do not improve after 7 days or if severe side effects occur, see a doctor immediately.
- This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
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