Although the drugs for flu and cough are generally classified as over-the-counter drugs, they can be misused as psychotropic drugs (drugs that can affect one's thoughts, behavior, and emotions) that can cause addiction and endanger users.
Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine (PE) are two ingredients commonly contained in over-the-counter drugs to treat colds and coughs. Both are drugs to relieve nasal congestion and relieve pressure on the sinuses due to fever, allergies and colds.
Similarities to Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine
In general, because both are decongestants or exhalations, pseudoephedrine and PE should not be taken simultaneously unless recommended by the doctor in certain ways. If used together, both can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Although drugs containing pseudoephedrine or PE are still classified as over-the-counter drugs in Indonesia, it is recommended that you see a 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
Disorders of the kidneys
Narrowing or blockage of the digestive system that needs medical action
Consumption of drugs containing pseudoephedrine should also be consulted with your doctor first if you have glaucoma. Likewise, if you are pregnant and / or breastfeeding, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor before taking drugs containing pseudoephedrine or PE. Both can increase the risk of congenital defects and reduce the level of milk production. These drugs can also enter breast milk, so giving to breastfeeding mothers must be accompanied by a doctor's approval.
Consumption of other drugs, such as vitamins, herbal medicines, and other drugs can make pseudoephedrine and PE not work effectively, can even cause dangerous reactions. Communicate to your doctor if you are on other medications or take certain supplements to prevent unwanted interactions, including drugs to treat asthma, lose weight, and increase appetite.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as well as amitriptyline antidepressants, doxepin, and isocarboxazid drugs are groups of drugs that can interact with pseudoephedrine and PE so they should not be taken together.
Consumption of Restricted Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine works by relaxing the muscles around the respiratory tract to get more air in. It should be noted that although it can relieve symptoms, pseudoephedrine does not speed up the healing process. In addition, unfortunately pseudoephedrine is often used for making methamphetamine illegally which can cause addiction. Methamphetamine is a psychoactive drug that can affect emotions, feelings, and perceptions of the user's reality, or commonly known as drugs.
Stimulant effects cause drugs that contain pseudoephedrine not infrequently misused as psychotropic substances that give joy and hyperactivity. In the past, these drugs have also been used by athletes as doping to improve performance. Even consuming too much caffeine can worsen the side effects of pseudoephedrine.
This is why in certain countries, even though drugs containing PE are categorized as over-the-counter drugs, but those containing pseudoephedrine are already very limited in some countries.
Excessive use of Pseudoephedrine
In addition, like most drugs, pseudoephedrine also contains side effects. Common side effects of pseudoephedrine include the appearance of nausea, vomiting, weakness, headache, insomnia, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, and changes in heart rate. In addition, if taken together with other drugs, pseudoephedrine can cause tremors, anxiety, hallucinations, seizures, pain during urination, a disturbed cardiovascular system.
PE works by reducing swelling of the ears and nose so that it can reduce discomfort and relieve breathing. But like pseudoephedrine, this drug should not be used in children under the age of 6 years. Some other forms of PE products should not even be consumed by children under the age of 12.
Use this medication according to instructions for use and consumption according to the recommended dosage. PE is widely used as a cough medicine that does not cause drowsiness. However, still consult the use of this drug with the doctor regarding its use.
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