Coricidin HBP comprises an antihistamine (chlorpheniramine), an analgesic (acetaminophen), and a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan). The compounds can cause side effects Coricidin HBP.
Coricidin is a typical and commonly prescribed medication that provides short-term relief from cold-related symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.
You can also use the drug to treat various allergies to the upper respiratory system. The medicine has received an average rating of 6.8 for its ability to reduce runny noses and sneezing.
It is also said to be safe and effective and works quickly. However, there are possible side effects Coricidin HBP.
While this over-the-counter medication can effectively treat the common cold and flu, regular users may experience potentially harmful side effects Coricidin HBP.
Let’s look at the 10 dangerous side effects Coricidin HBP.
What does Coricidin do to the body?
It works as an anti-histamine.
Histamine is a cellular substance that causes allergy symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing.
After blocking histamine, Coricidin Hbp lowers inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. Furthermore, it relieves runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose.
Dangerous Side Effects Coricidin Hbp
Many people affected by colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections use Coricidin HBP to help them recover quickly and return to normal activities.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration has insisted that Coricidin HBP — or any cough and cold medications containing dextromethorphan — not be used by children under 6.
The agency also recommends that adults take at most 2 doses in 24 hours and only use the medication for 10 days.
While Coricidin HBP is an over-the-counter cough suppressant, its use has been associated with dangerous side effects.
#1. Headache
One common side effect Coricidin HBP is a headache that doesn’t go away.
You might have frequent migraines if this is your first time taking the medication. You need to see a doctor immediately if the headaches don’t disappear.
#2. Fever
Although Coricidin HBP is meant to treat fever, you will experience a higher fever than before you took the medication.
However, the fever may subside after some days after using Coricidin HBP.
Coricidin is made up of acetaminophen, which helps reduce the fever. It additionally alleviates mild to moderate pain, such as headaches and backaches.
#3. Skin Reaction
Some of the skin reactions are skin reddening, blisters, or rashes. These are some additional side effects Coricidin HBP that are particularly irritating to sensitive skin.
You can also experience yellowing of the skin or eyes due to liver damage. Coricidin can damage your liver, especially if you’re an alcoholic.
Other skin reactions include swelling of the face. Overdosing on Coricidin HBP can also cause the skin to become warm or flushed.
#4. Drowsiness
You may experience drowsiness after taking Coricidin HBP. This is because of the antihistamine in the drug.
Dr. Mayank Shukla, a Board Certified in Sleep Medicine, says antihistamines cross the blood-brain barrier and block one of the histamines’ other functions. In the process, they regulate sleep and wakefulness.
When the function of the histamines in the brain is blocked, it results in drowsiness. Because of their antihistamine properties, they have been used as a nighttime sleep aid.
#5. Dizziness
Another side effect Coricidin HBP is dizziness. You may feel like you’re spinning or the room is moving around you when you’re dizzy.
Dr.Nayana Ambardekar says your eyes, brain, inner ear, nerves in your feet and spine, and other body parts work together to keep you balanced.
When a part of that system is off, you can feel dizzy. It could be a sign of an underlying serious condition, and if it causes you to fall, it could be dangerous.
Therefore, it is best to seek medical attention immediately when you experience dizziness after taking Coricidin HBP.
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if the medication makes you dizzy.
#6. Blurred vision
You will experience vision changes or blurred vision, especially when you overdose on Coricidin HBP. There is a possibility of experiencing hallucinations, seizures, and sometimes even confusion.
These side effects Coricidin HBP can be made worse, especially when you’re drinking alcohol while using the medicine.
According to an article by drug.com, drinking alcohol while using acetaminophen raises your chances of liver damage. That results in an increase in specific side effects of chlorpheniramine.
It later results in clouded vision and could affect how you think or react. You should proceed with caution when driving or performing other tasks that call for alertness and clear vision.
#7. Trouble sleeping
As mentioned earlier, Coricidin HBP is made up of an antihistamine, a chemical compound that makes you drowsy.
Antihistamines induce drowsiness by working against histamine, a chemical produced by the central nervous system.
And it’s not every night that you’ll get a good night’s sleep after using antihistamine products. According to Dr. Philip Mani Alapat, taking antihistamines can cause sleepwalking and other parasomnias.
He goes on to say that although antihistamines can assist you in falling asleep, the quality of your sleep is generally not very good.
Antihistamines can sometimes have the opposite effect and make people hyperactive, especially children.
#8. Dry Mouth, Nose, or Throat
Dry mouth, nose, or throat are other side effects Coricidin HBP. They are primarily a result of antihistamines.
The side effects tend to be mild and easy to deal with in young patients with no other health issues. On the other hand, they can be dangerous, especially for the elderly.
Some symptoms of this condition include a dry, sticky feeling in your mouth, frequent thirst, and bad breath. Your tongue may also turn a reddish color.
Additionally, you will experience a burning or tingling sensation on your tongue and mouth. Dry throat and nose cause dry nasal passage and hoarse voice.
#9. Nausea, Vomiting, or Constipation
You may feel nauseous, vomit, or have constipation after using the Coricidin HBP. You may also experience severe stomach pain and a loss of appetite.
However, these side effects Coricidin HBP are rare. Therefore, whenever you experience them, seek medical attention immediately.
#10. Feeling Restlessness or Excitement (especially in a child).
Coricidin HBP is not recommended for children under the age of six unless under the supervision of a clinician.
The medication may cause paradoxical CNS stimulation. Additionally, it may put newborns at risk for seizures. It may also disrupt the children’s sleep cycle and cause them to be hyperactive.
The New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority says an antihistamine overdose in children can result in respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Conclusion
Considering all the potential complications mentioned above, people should not use Coricidin HBP for a cold, flu, or sore throat, at least not on a long-term basis.
Even though it may seem to provide relief initially, there are far safer ways to help combat a cold or flu. Coricidin HBP has rare but severe side effects.
Furthermore, the products have no correct warning or prescription labeling information for the user. You should be aware of this medication’s proper indications and quality care.
Avoid using Coricidin Hbp if you are allergic to antihistamines. You should also not take this medication if you have been on antidepressants known as MAO inhibitors within the last two weeks.
If you’re experiencing the highlighted side effects Coricidin HBP, it’s best to notify your physician. Before then, stop taking the medication immediately.
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