Even though medicine flu and cough Generally classified as over-the-counter drugs, but it turns out that the effects of the ingredients in them can be misused as psychotropic substances (drugs that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, and emotions) which can cause addiction and harm the user.
Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine (PE) are two ingredients that are generally contained in over-the-counter medicines to treat colds and coughs. Both are drugs to relieve nasal congestion and relieve pressure in the sinuses from hay fever, allergies, and colds.
Similarities of Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine
In general, since they are both decongestants or breath lozenges, then pseudoephedrine and PE should not be taken together unless recommended by a doctor in a certain way. When used together, the two can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Even though drugs containing pseudoephedrine or PE are still classified as over-the-counter drugs in Indonesia, but it is advisable to check with your doctor first before taking these drugs if you have the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Enlargement of the prostate gland
- Kidney disorders
- Narrowing or blockage in the digestive system that requires medical action
Consumption of drugs containing pseudoephedrine you should also consult your doctor first if you have glaucoma. Likewise, if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor before taking drugs containing pseudoephedrine or PE. Both can increase the risk of birth defects and reduce the level of milk production. These drugs can also pass into breast milk, so their administration to nursing mothers must be accompanied by a doctor's approval.
Consumption of other drugs, such as vitamins, herbal medicines, and other drugs can make pseudoephedrine nor PE not work effectively, may even cause a dangerous reaction. Communicate with your doctor if you are taking other medications or taking certain supplements to prevent unwanted interactions, including medications to treat asthma, lose weight, and increase appetite.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) antidepressants and antidepressants containing amitriptyline, doxepin, and isocarboxazid are a group of drugs that can interact with pseudoephedrine and PE so they can't be used together.
Restricted Pseudoephedrine Consumption
Pseudoephedrine It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways to allow more air in. It should be noted that although it can relieve symptoms, pseudoephedrine does not speed up the healing process. Besides, unfortunately pseudoephedrine it is often used to manufacture methamphetamine illegally which can cause addiction. Methamphetamine is a psychoactive drug that can affect the emotions, feelings, and perceptions of the user's reality, or commonly known as a drug.
Stimulant effects cause drugs containing pseudoephedrine not infrequently misused as a psychotropic substance that gives a feeling of joy and hyperactivity. In the past, this drug has also been used by athletes as a doping to improve performance. Even consuming too much caffeine can worsen the side effects pseudoephedrine.
This is why in certain countries, even drugs containing PE categorized as over-the-counter drugs, but those containing pseudoephedrine its use has been severely restricted in some countries.
Use of Pseudoephedrine excessively
In addition, like drugs in general, pseudoephedrinee also contains side effects. Side effects pseudoephedrine Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weakness, headaches, and insomnia, stomach pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, and changes in heart rate. In addition, if taken in combination with other drugs, pseudoephedrine may cause tremors, anxiety, hallucinations, seizures, pain when urinating, impaired cardiovascular system.
PE It works by reducing swelling of the ears and nose so that it can reduce discomfort and relieve breathing. But like pseudoephedrine, this medicine should not be used in children under 6 years of age. Some other product form of PE should not even be consumed by children under the age of 12 years.
Use this medicine according to the instructions for use and consume according to the recommended dosage. PE widely used as an ingredient in cough medicine that does not cause drowsiness. However, still consult the use of this drug with your doctor regarding its use.
