Surely most of those with the flu or SARS used the tablets or Combigripp powder. Instructions for the use of this tool indicate that in the fight against the symptoms of these diseases (headache, fever, cough, sneezing, swelling of the nasal mucosa and pharynx, etc.) it is especially effective. And how exactly the named drug affects the patient’s body, what are its benefits and side effects, will be described in detail later in the article.
Substances included in the drug "Combigripp"
The instructions attached to the Combigripp preparation indicate that it includes:
- paracetamol,
- anhydrous caffeine
- phenylephrine hydrochloride,
- chlorpheniramine maleate.
This selection is not accidental, since they all complement each other perfectly in the process of eliminating the symptoms of influenza and SARS: caffeine stimulates the nervous system, paracetamol reduces temperature and relieves headaches, and phenylephrine hydrochloride reduces swelling of the mucous tissues of the nasopharynx and facilitates breathing. Chlorpheniramine maleate reduces lacrimation, reduces mucus from the nose and relieves the patient of irritation in the nose and throat, causing sneezing or coughing.
A similar composition is also found in the Lemsil Max Lemon, Aydrink, Maxikold and Vicks Asset Symtomax powders, as well as Agikold and Glykoldin tablets.
How paracetamol, which is part of the Combigripp drug, works
Since paracetamol is the main active ingredient of the Combigripp preparation (the instructions for it are brought to your attention), we’ll talk about it separately.
Paracetamol is a non-narcotic pain medication. Its effect on the human body is manifested in the inhibition of the formation of biologically active substances - prostaglandins. They have an exciting effect on the human thermoregulation center located in the hypothalamus (the part of the brain responsible for regulating the functioning of many systems). As soon as their number decreases, this leads to a decrease in elevated body temperature in the patient.
The analgesic effect of the use of paracetamol is achieved by the fact that a reduced amount of prostaglandins naturally stimulates the reaction of nerve cells to chemical or mechanical stimuli to a lesser extent, as a result of which the pain goes away.
Features of the action of paracetamol on the body of children and adults
The instruction attached to the “Combigripp” preparation draws our attention to the fact that the aforementioned agent is tolerated differently, depending on age.
Studies have shown that on the children's body, which is part of the drug, paracetamol acts more pronounced, while it has less side effects than on adult patients. This phenomenon is due to the fact that the decomposition of the substance in the body of children under 12 years old due to the immaturity of many enzymes occurs without the formation of toxic metabolic products. In adults, this is observed and, as a result, has a negative effect on the patient’s liver.
What is the difference between Combigripp Dex: instructions
Many doctors offer their patients to use the Combigripp Dex tablets to get rid of the manifestations of influenza or SARS. This medicine, in addition to the above properties characteristic of Combigripp tablets, also has a pronounced antitussive effect. It is achieved thanks to another component of the drug - destrometorphan hydrobromide.
This substance is able to act directly on the cough center, so the patient becomes unproductive exhausting cough more rare and less pronounced.
By the way, a similar composition is also available in the tablets "Gripeks Active Max", "Helpex Antikold Dx", as well as in capsules or syrup "Combinex".
The approximate dosage of the drug
Naturally, no matter how detailed the instructions that came with the drug, Combigripp, like other medicines, should be prescribed by a doctor. Only when observing the recommendations of a specialist who accurately determines the severity of the patient’s condition, he will be able to get rid of his illness in a short time, without having received the complications that the flu is especially dangerous.
Most often, the named remedy is prescribed for adults and children after 12 years in a dose not exceeding two tablets in one dose. And this is done up to four times a day.
Children aged 6-12 are offered to drink half or a whole tablet up to four times a day. By the way, the interval between doses should be no less than four hours. And you should take the medicine only after eating, after half an hour.
The duration of treatment, as a rule, is no more than a week. And alcohol at this time should definitely be excluded.
To whom the drug Combigripp is contraindicated (tablets)
Instructions for use of the described drug draws the attention of consumers to the fact that some people may find it dangerous to use. These include patients:
- with prostatic hypertrophy;
- with severe forms of atherosclerosis;
- hypertension
- with acute pancreatitis and hepatitis;
- peripheral artery thrombosis;
- severe forms of cardiac ischemia;
- cardiac impairment
- and ventricular tachycardia.
As the instructions available for the Combigripp drug emphasize, tablets are not prescribed for people with alcoholism, pregnant women and children under the age of six.
Patients taking drugs related to MAO inhibitors, the indicated drug is also contraindicated.
How is an overdose of a drug
The signs of an overdose in both the Combigripp drug and the Combigripp Dex agent are associated with the substances in their composition. As a rule, most often they appear as symptoms of an overdose of paracetamol. Signs of this condition at first are nausea, vomiting, increasing general weakness and the appearance of pain in the right hypochondrium.
After a day, the patient most often becomes apparent signs of hepatic pathology. They appear in the form of edema, an increase in the abdomen, fever and jaundice. If the patient was not provided with timely assistance during this period, then after 72 hours he may develop necrosis (death) of the liver. This is accompanied by the appearance of bleeding and the progression of hepatic encephalopathy, leading the patient to a coma.
In a situation where an overdose is detected (regardless of whether the tablets were used or “Combigripp” powder), the instructions advise you to rinse the patient’s stomach and seek medical help from a medical institution. To neutralize the action of paracetamol , N-acetylcysteine ​​or methionine is used. In addition, measures are being taken to maintain the cardiovascular system and normalize the water-electrolyte balance.
The composition of the ointment "Combigripp"
In addition to the tablets or powder described above, another form of Combigripp is produced - ointment. The instruction for this drug indicates in its composition the following active substances:
- menthol,
- camphor,
- thymol,
- methyl salicylate,
- Eucalyptus oil,
- turps.
The ointment is used externally for diseases affecting the upper respiratory tract, as well as muscle and joint pain. The effect is achieved due to the local irritating effect of the constituent elements of the ointment, which stimulate the release of substances involved in the regulation of vascular permeability and affect the severity of pain.
When applying the ointment to the skin, the patient has a feeling of cold, turning into a slight burning sensation and tingling sensation. It is prescribed for children from two years and adult patients and is used three times a day for a week.
Ointment is contraindicated for pregnant women, since its components (camphor and eucalyptus oil) can easily penetrate the skin and placental barrier. Patients prone to seizures or patients with epilepsy are also not prescribed this medicine, as pungent odors can trigger the onset of an attack.
How and in what cases is ointment "Combigripp" used
If the patient is ill with tracheitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis or rhinitis, then the doctor may prescribe Combigripp (ointment) as part of complex treatment. Instructions for use of this tool indicate that it can be effective in the treatment of arthralgia or myalgia.
In case of respiratory disease, a sufficient amount of ointment (up to 4 g) is applied to the skin in the chest area (closer to the throat). It is gently rubbed, and then this area is covered with a dry, warm cloth. By the way, it should be loose against the body so that the active substances evaporating from the drug can reach the patient’s nose and throat.
In the case when the ointment is used for muscle or joint pain, the applied volume should also be large enough. They rub the affected area and leave it open.
Features of the use of ointment "Combigripp"
During the use of ointment "Combigripp", certain rules should be followed.
- Protect mucous membranes from ointment.
- Avoid applying the product to damaged skin.
- If irritation occurs as a result of applying the ointment, you must urgently stop its use and consult a doctor.
- Ointment is not used to lubricate the inner surfaces of the nose.
- The drug is not worn on large areas of the skin.
- It is not used in cases where the cough is caused by smoking, asthma, emphysema, etc., as well as if it is accompanied by intensive sputum removal.
- In cases where, as a result of treatment with Combigripp ointment, the cough does not disappear for a week and is accompanied by a fever, rash or persistent headache, you should consult a doctor to review the treatment tactics.