Important Tips AboutSide Effects of Cold Medications
Most people tend touse various medications on their own duringcolds to feel better. Some medicines have different side effects that you might not be aware of, so you shouldn’t use them freely or in any dose. Easy access to cold tablets has made many believe they are the best way to treatcold symptomswithout considering their side effects. Most cold medicines are made from similar ingredients and work in similar ways, but it’s better to have information about these medicines so you know about possible side effects. In this health sectionSelMagzWe present the side effects of self-medicating with cold medicines to help you avoid overusing these drugs intentionally.
Cold tablets, also known as Adult Cold
Adult Cold tablets combine three medicines: acetaminophen, phenylephrine, and chlorpheniramine. Acetaminophen reduces fever and pain, phenylephrine is a nasal decongestant, and chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. Doctors use these tablets to treat cold and flu symptoms,sinusitisandallergic reactionsin patients. TheacetaminophenThis tablet reduces fever by blocking prostaglandin synthesis. Chlorpheniramine constricts blood vessels and affects the respiratory and digestive systems by competing with histamine to reduce allergic responses. Phenylephrine quickly and sustainably constricts blood vessels, decreasing fluid secretion and nasal congestion.
Side effects of cold tablets
The main side effects of adult cold tablets in adults includedrowsinesswhich should be avoided in jobs that require attention and focus.
- dizziness andheadachethat occur hours after taking the tablet
- heart palpitations
- increase in appetite due to analgesic ingredients in the tablet
- dry mouth, which worsensthroat sorenessanddry coughespecially when overdosed in susceptible individuals,
- blood pressuremay increase, so consulting a doctor before use is recommended.Skin rashes in case of allergy to the ingredients of this medication
- Side effects of cold tablets on children
The use of cold tablets in children under two years is never recommended because it does not improve their cold symptoms and can cause serious side effects like increased
heart rateand episodes ofseizuresMoreover, the World Food and Drug Organization has banned the simultaneous use of cold tablets with medications likeantihistaminesand painkillers in children due to overdose risks.Antibiotics only fight bacteria and are ineffective against cold viruses. Overuse of antibiotics in children can also lead to resistance, making their bodies less responsive to these drugs in the future.
Antibioticscan cause resistance.Painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen help reduce symptoms such as fever and sore throat caused by infections, so there is no need for antipyretic medications under normal circumstances. When giving acetaminophen to children, be careful with the dose, and do not give ibuprofen to infants under 6 months. Also,
aspirinshould be avoided in children under 18 months due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.Side effects of acetaminophen
Compared to other medicines, acetaminophen has fewer side effects, but it can cause allergic skin and mucous membrane reactions, hives, eczema, and even toxic skin rashes with fever. The most dangerous side effect of acetaminophen, especially with overdose, is liver failure and necrosis, kidney tubular necrosis, and coma due to low
blood sugarlevels. Self-medication or overdose of acetaminophen in children and adults can lead to liver and kidney poisoning, possibly causing death if the liver fails rapidly. Blood disorders are among the rare side effects of acetaminophen.Acetaminophen tablets
Antihistamine tablets are often used to stop and prevent
runny noseand sneezing during colds, but these drugs can thicken respiratory secretions, leading to sinus blockage and increased virus growth. Therefore, antihistamines should be avoided in the first three days of cold symptoms whenever possible.Side effects of antihistamines
Uncontrolled use of antihistamines may cause side effects like sore throat, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, vision problems, and
dizzinessso people who need to use these medications should do so only under medical advice.Heart attacks caused by painkillers!
Some individuals, especially teenagers and young adults, take excessive amounts of painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to feel better at any time. They wrongly believe that taking more leads to faster effects, ignoring the side effects. Overdosing on acetaminophen can cause liver failure, stomach bleeding, kidney failure, and increase the risk of heart attacks.
Corizan for Cold Treatment
Corizan (Corizan) is another cold medicine used to treat and relieve symptoms
such as fever, in both children and adults. It comes in tablets and syrup forms. Usually, doctors prescribe Corizan tablets for adults and Corizan syrup for children to treat colds.Side effects of CorizanStomach discomfort
Dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- If you experience symptoms like breathing problems, irregular or rapid heartbeat, sudden heart attacks, allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, behavioral or mental changes, urinary issues, visual changes, severe dizziness, ringing in the ears, or any severe reactions after taking this medication, seek medical attention immediately.
- Oldax tablets
Another cold medicine, Oldax tablets, contain a specific percentage of acetaminophen, antihistamines, and phenylephrine. They are usually taken without a prescription to temporarily relieve symptoms caused by common colds, such as fever, allergies, or respiratory issues like sinusitis and bronchitis.
Antihistamines help relieve runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, eye itching, and nasal and throat allergies, while decongestants treat symptoms like nasal congestion and ear infections.
This medication should not be used for children under 6 years unless a doctor has examined the child and prescribed Oldax. Do not use Oldax to sedate children. It does not shorten illness duration and can cause serious side effects.
Side effects of Oldax
Sleepiness
Dryness of the mouth, throat, and noseSleep disturbancesConstipation
If you notice any of the following, see a doctor immediately:
Breathing difficultiesIrregular and rapid heartbeatSudden cardiac attacksAllergic reactions such as rash, itching, and swellingBehavioral or mental changes
Urinary problems
Visual changes
Severe dizziness
Ringing in the earsCold tabletsChildren’s cold medicationCold tabletsSide effects of cold tablets on childrenCorizanCorizan for Cold Treatment
Oldax tablets
Side effects of Oldax tablets
- Side effects of cold medicines
- Cold treatment
- Sinusitis treatment
- Allergy treatment
What happens to your body when you take too much acetaminophen?
- Side effects of cold medicines
- Removing drowsiness
- Treatment for headaches
- Treatment for sore throat
- Treatment for cough
- Blood pressure treatment
- Normal infant heart rate
- Causes of seizures
- Natural antihistamines
- Side effects of antibiotics
