Some cold medicine are based on a vasoconstrictor action: they decongest the nasal cavities, thus reducing stuffy nose feeling and facilitating breathing. These medications (Dolirhume®, Rhinadvil®, Actifed® day and night, Humex® cold, Sudafed®) contain pseudoephedrine, a molecule that causes blood vessels to constrict. Although sold without a prescription, these vasoconstrictors can cause adverse cardiovascular effects, which are certainly rare but serious (high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents).
Medicines that have 15 contraindications
The explanation is simple: vasoconstriction tightens the blood vessels of the nose (to prevent it from “flowing”), but also all the others, including those of the heart. The heart must then provide more effort, with the risks that implies. Also pseudoephedrine is contraindicated in case of high blood pressure, stroke, coronary disease, but also prostate disorders, history of seizures, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
“These specialties for colds have up to 15 contraindications, and that’s not counting the risks ofside effects “, warns Professor Jean-Paul Giroud. These risks are multiplied when pseudoephedrine is combined with another substance: paracetamol or ibuprofen for an antipyretic and analgesic effect as is often the case, and sometimes even an antihistamine for a drying effect on nasal secretions.
An antihistamine which also has its contraindications and undesirable effects… Suffice to say that for a simple cold (mild disease which heals spontaneously in 8-10 days) it means taking a lot of risks for in the end, little benefit.
Precautions for use of anti-cold medicines
If you decide (despite these warnings) to self-medicate against the common cold, you should follow these tips:
- Respect the dosage.
- Take the medication for a short time: 5 days max.
- Do not combine oral and nasal decongestants because the risks associated with the use of a vasoconstrictor increase.
- If the anti-cold specialty already contains paracetamol or ibuprofen, do not combine with another medicine containing it too.
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