Health Update

Health organizations have expressed alarm over the potential hazardous side effects of over-the-counter (OTC) chemical cough medications to one’s health, including the development of hypertension, drug dependence, irregular heartbeat and confusion.

According to Mayo Clinic, a respected online medical research organization of around 2,500 physicians worldwide that is known for its online diagnosis and treatment of diseases (www.mayoclinic.com), these cough medications may actually cause more harm than good.

“Most OTC cough medicines contain a mixture of decongestant, antihistamine, pain reliever, cough suppressant or a combination of these drugs. This combination is meant to treat many symptoms at once but all of them have potential side effects,” the organization said in an online statement.

For instance, Mayo Clinic pointed out that those with decongestants may produce a narrowing of blood vessels leading to the clearing of nasal congestion.

However, they may also be potentially dangerous to patients suffering from hypertension since decongestants are known to increase blood pressure.

While cough remedies with antihistamines prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other types of allergy as well as relieve sneezing and runny nose, Mayo Clinic said elderly patients were reported to feel fainting, confusion or irritability when they take the medicine.

PharmacyHealth, a research institution that monitors US-approved prescription drugs and popular health supplements, meanwhile, noted that some of the more common side effects of cough medicines include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, blurred vision, restlessness, irritability, and dry mouth and nose.

“Some cough remedies may also cause irregular heartbeat, chest pain, ringing in the ears, heart pounding and breathing difficulty,” PharmacyHealth said.

Children are known to experience nightmares, unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness or irritability when given cough medicines.

Cough medicines are either suppressants, meaning they suppress the body’s urge to cough, or expectorants, which loosen the mucus or phlegm in the lungs.

One of the popular ingredients of suppressants is codeine, a narcotic derived from opium. It is known to induce physical and mental dependence.

Dr. William Elwood, who conducted a study on the misuse of cough syrups for the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, said codeine can also induce fatigue and loss of coordination.

“Codeine affects the central nervous system and is an effective cough suppressant. Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, confusion, itchiness, and — of course — addiction,” he said.

Another substance found in most cough syrups is dextromethorpan (DXM). While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it is a generally safe and effective cough suppressant when formulated properly, it can also cause adverse effects such as brain damage, seizure, loss of consciousness and irregular heartbeat.

The adverse side effects of OTC cough medications have led people to go for “non-medical” treatments like taking fluids (i.e. water or calamansi juice). Another safe alternative to chemical-based cough medicines is using natural cures such as lagundi leaves.

“If I think there is an infectious cause to the cough, I work to build up the immune system, either with herbals or acupuncture,” said Dr. Mark Merlin, holistic and integrative medicine specialist in Atlanta.

Most coughs, Merlin said, are due to common cold and are not serious. They usually disappear from two to three weeks. He advised rest, plenty of fluids and the use of natural or herbal cure for a healthier body constitution.

Source: Philippine Star