Beware of the following 6 side effects of cough medicines

Experiencing a cough that doesn't stop, either dry or with phlegm, can be very annoying. The reason is, a dry cough can cause pain in the throat, while a cough with phlegm makes you need to expel phlegm almost all the time. One way to cure a cough is to take cough medicine over-the-counter (OTC) or nonprescription. This cough medicine can indeed be obtained easily, but be careful of the side effects that may arise if you consume it too often.

Side effects of cough with phlegm

Cough medicine consists of various kinds, ranging from the form of syrup to tablets. Its use needs to be adjusted to the type of cough you experience and the disease that causes coughing. The main function of cough medicines is to relieve coughs, thin phlegm in the throat, reduce mucus congestion, and reduce the frequency of coughs.

Some types of cough medicine that are often used or even prescribed by doctors are:

Suppressant drugs, such as dextromethorpan and codeine
Decongestants, such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine
A combination cough medicine that consists of the ingredients above

However, in addition to being beneficial, you are also likely to experience various side effects if you take non-prescription drugs. More severe side effects will appear if consumed regularly and for a long period of time.

Some of the side effects of cough medicines that may occur include:

1. Drowsiness

Most of the antihistamine cough medicines can cause side effects that occur immediately, such as severe drowsiness. This is because this cough medicine works to reduce the frequency of coughs by stopping the stimulation of the cough from the brain.

So that side effects do not interfere with your activities, you should take this drug at night before going to bed.

It is important to know, the United States food and drug regulatory agency, the FDA, prohibits the use of antihistamine drugs, such as diphenhydramine in children under 4 years.

Research from International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy said, these drugs can have a high risk of causing side effects of decreased brain function.

2. Dizziness

The dizziness that arises after taking the drug is nothing to worry about. This is a fairly common side effect of cough medicines for some people. However, you need to be aware if dizziness persists for days and gets worse. You should immediately consult a doctor.

3. A rash appears on the skin

Rash or redness of the skin is a side effect that can occur even though it is rare. Usually, this effect occurs in those of you who take cough medicines containing guaifenesin (Mucinex). Not only rashes, skin irritation such as hives can also occur in some people.

4. Stomach ache

Another side effect that can occur after taking cough medicine is stomach upset. Not only stomach pain, you can also experience digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, this condition usually occurs in a mild intensity so there is no need to worry too much.

5. Allergies

In some people, cough medicine can cause side effects in the form of an allergic reaction. Allergies due to drugs are generally characterized by itching of the skin, shortness of breath, swelling of several parts of the body such as the lips, tongue, face and throat as well as a reddish rash. Immediately consult a doctor if you see these symptoms after taking this one drug.

6. Addiction

The codeine content in cough medicines can cause addiction or dependence effects. Although taken in normal doses, cough medicine with codeine can also make you feel the need to take it every day. Therefore, never take cough medicines with codeine above the dose prescribed by your doctor.

People who have a history of dependence on drugs, especially narcotics groups, should avoid using cough medicines with codeine.

In some cases, drugs that are consumed in excess and not in accordance with the dosage can also cause kidney problems. For this reason, always take the drug according to the recommended dosage to minimize side effects that may occur.

Another side effect of cough medicine

If you are pregnant, you should avoid taking non-prescription cough medicines unless your doctor recommends them. The reason is, the side effects of OTC drugs are more at risk for pregnant women and allow for stronger reactions, for example triggering disorders to heart complications, asthma, and glaucoma.

In addition, the side effects of cough medicines can also affect fetal development. In some cases, allergy OTC drugs, even more severe, can threaten the life of both the mother and the fetus.

Every medicine has side effects, including cough medicine. However, the side effects of this drug tend to be mild and even rare if taken properly. Therefore, you should always read the usage rules listed on the packaging before consuming it.

Immediately stop using it if there are serious side effects and consult a doctor.