With the return of freezing temperatures, many of us are heading to the pharmacy to buy medicine for the common cold. However, as the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) reminds us, these medicines delivered without a prescription should not be taken lightly: thus, oral vasoconstrictors based on pseudoephedrine (Actifed® , Dolirhume®, Humex®, Nurofen®, Rhinadvil®…) have contraindications and can have serious side effects.
Cold medicines: what are the contraindications? Pseudoephedrine drugs taken by mouth are prohibited before the age of 15, but also in case of a history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or seizures, as well as in case of high blood pressure or severe coronary insufficiency, or urethro-prostatic disorders.
Cold medicines are prohibited when breastfeeding
People who suffer from high blood pressure, insomnia, neurological disorders (agitation, behavioral disorders, hallucinations), hyperthyroidism or diabetes must imperatively seek medical advice before taking these medications. If breastfeeding, cold medicines are strictly prohibited; during pregnancy, it is essential to seek prior medical advice.
Cold medicines: what are the risks? Pseudoephedrine can promote the onset of cardiovascular disorders (such as high blood pressure, for example), neurological disorders (in the worst case: a stroke), psychiatric disorders (anxiety, mania, hallucinations, etc.), severe skin reactions or severe vision problems.
The ANSM specifies that in general, a cold heals spontaneously within 7 to 10 days – so there is no need to take medication! In addition, cold medicines (which should only be taken as a second line, when the cold does not subside after about 1 week) should not be taken for more than 5 days without medical advice.
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