Ammonium Chloride
AMMONIUM CHLORIDE
Overview:
Ammonium chloride is a medication and chemical compound that helps loosen mucus in the lungs and maintain the body’s acid balance. It’s frequently utilized in cough syrups as an expectorant, that is, a substance that helps to loosen stubborn mucus so it can be coughed up.
Physicians may utilize ammonium chloride to address a condition known as metabolic alkalosis. Here, the medicine is helping the body return to its rightful acid equilibrium.
Though it’s typically safe in accordance with the directions, it ought to be consumed cautiously—in particular, in individuals with kidney/liver/heart issues.
Classification: Acidifier and expectorant
Uses:
To loosen and thin mucus in the lungs, helping to clear chest congestion
Help restore acid-base balance in the body when it becomes too alkaline (a condition called metabolic alkalosis)
How It Works:
Ammonium chloride works in two main ways:
As an expectorant, it irritates the mucous membranes to promote the removal of mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough out.
As an acidifying agent, it increases the level of acid in the blood and urine, helping correct imbalances in the body’s chemistry.
Dosage: As prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects:
Some people may experience:
Stomach upset or nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue or weakness
Irritability
If taken in large amounts or for long periods, it can affect blood pH or kidney function
Precautions:
Should be used with caution in people with kidney disease, liver problems, or high blood pressure
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless prescribed
People on low-sodium diets should use it carefully, as it may raise sodium levels
Always follow the prescribed dose, and avoid self-medicating
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage
Chlorpheniramine
CHLORPHENIRAMINE
Overview
Chlorpheniramine is commonly used to treat runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and skin reactions caused by allergies, colds, or hay fever. It’s one of the older antihistamines and may cause drowsiness.
Classification
Antihistamine
Uses
Seasonal allergies (like pollen)
Dust or pet allergies
Cold-related symptoms such as sneezing or runny nose
Skin allergies, including hives or itchy rashes
How It Works
When your body comes in contact with allergens (like dust or pollen), it releases histamine, which causes symptoms like sneezing or itching. Chlorpheniramine blocks histamine, helping to relieve those symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.
Dosage
As prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects
Some common side effects may include:
Drowsiness or feeling sleepy
Dry mouth, nose, or throat
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Upset stomach
Blurred vision (in some cases)
Precautions
Use caution if you need to drive or operate machines, as it may cause drowsiness.
Avoid alcohol, which can increase sleepiness.
Let your doctor know if you have conditions like glaucoma, asthma, enlarged prostate, or urinary problems.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or giving it to a child or elderly person, consult a healthcare provider first.
Don’t take more than the recommended dose, as too much can increase side effects.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage
Menthol
MENTHOL
Overview:
Menthol is a natural ingredient from mint that gives a cool, refreshing sensation.It’s found in ointments, lozenges, and inhalers to relieve sore throats, open up congested noses, reduce coughing, or soothe minor skin irritation. Its cooling effect helps you feel comfortable, relieved, and more at ease in everyday situations.
Classification: Symptomatic relief agent
Uses:
Menthol is used to provide quick relief from common discomforts. It can soothe a sore throat, calm a cough, ease nasal congestion, and reduce minor skin irritation.Its refreshing, cooling action makes you feel more comfortable and helps reduce the impact of everyday symptoms.
How it works:
Menthol functions to cause the nerve endings on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes to become numb, and thus observe a degree of cooling. This cooling effect fools the brain into thinking it is getting relief from discomfort, opens nasal passages, soothes an irritated throat and minor aches or itching, making you feel more comfortable and refreshed.
Dosage:
As prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects:
Mild skin irritation or redness
Burning or stinging sensation
Allergic reactions like rash, itching, or swelling (rare)
Mild throat or mouth irritation
Precautions:
While using menthol, make sure to use it as instructed on the product and do not apply it on broken or sensitive skin. When you have been allergic previously, test in a small area to ensure there are no reactions. Do not use large quantities in use internally, such as in lozenges, or cough syrups, and store it away from the reach of children. If you experience difficulty breathing, rash or swelling, stop and get medical attention.
Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
Paracetamol
PARACETAMOL
Overview
Paracetamol is a commonly used medication that helps relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It’s often used for:
Headaches
Toothaches
Muscle and back pain
Menstrual cramps
Cold and flu symptoms
It’s available over-the-counter and is considered safe when used as directed.
Classification
Analgesic and antipyretic agent
Uses
Paracetamol is used for pain relief and fever. It is used to relieve pain in conditions like headache, muscle pain, or dental pain.
How it works
When you produce a fever, your body’s internal thermostat — found in the hypothalamus portion of the brain — is raised to a higher temperature. This new set point is usually induced by pyrogens (substances made during infections) that tell the body to produce more heat as a form of immune defense.
Due to its effects in the brain, paracetamol reduces the production of reactive prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are disease-fighting chemicals released during infection that in turn, raise the body’s temperature set point. By decreasing prostaglandin levels, paracetamol enables the hypothalamus’ temperature control centre to bring the body’s temperature back down to normal, allowing the body to cool down and the fever to subside
Dosage
As directed by the physician
Precautions
Most people can take paracetamol safely, including:
pregnant women
breastfeeding women
children over 2 months of age – lower doses are recommended for young children
always get advice before taking paracetamol if you:
have liver or kidney problems
have problems with alcohol, like long-term alcohol misuse
are very underweight
are taking other medications
Don’t take paracetamol if you’ve had an allergic reaction to it in the past
Side effects
common side effects of paracetamol.
Nausea
Swelling
Vomiting
Pain
Tenderness in the upper abdomen
Sweating
Loss of appetite
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Major side effects are as follows:
Dark-colored urine
High fever
Lower backache
Skin having red spots
Rashes
Inflammation
Itching
Sore throat
Ulcers
Breathlessness
Yellowish eyes
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
Phenylephrine
PHENYLEPHRINE
Overview
Phenylephrine is a medicine often used to relieve a stuffy or blocked nose. It works by shrinking swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages, helping you breathe more easily. You might find it in many cold, flu, or allergy medications.
Classification
Decongestants
Uses
Relieves nasal congestion due to colds, allergies, or sinus infections
Sometimes used to increase low blood pressure during surgery or in critical care
May be found in eye drops to dilate pupils during eye exams
How It Works
Phenylephrine works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose. This reduces swelling and opens up your airways. When taken for blood pressure support, it tightens blood vessels throughout the body, which helps raise blood pressure.
Dosage
As prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects
Some common or possible side effects may include:
Headache
Dizziness
Nervousness or restlessness
Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
Increased heart rate or blood pressure
In rare cases, serious side effects like irregular heartbeat or chest pain can occur. Always report unusual symptoms to your doctor.
Precautions
Avoid it if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid problems, or glaucoma, unless your doctor says it’s safe.
Do not use more than the recommended dose – overuse can increase side effects.
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding before using.
If taken with other medications (especially for depression or blood pressure), it could interact negatively.
Not recommended for young children without medical advice.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage
Sodium Citrate
SODIUM CITRATE
Overview
Sodium Citrate is a type of salt that helps make body fluids less acidic.It’s often used to relieve discomfort from too much acid in the stomach or urine. It comes in liquid, tablet, or powder form.
Classification
It belongs to a group of medicines called alkalinizers or urinary alkalinizers. These help reduce acidity in the body.
Uses
To treat acid indigestion or heartburn (burning feeling in the chest)
To make urine less acidic, which can help prevent kidney stones or irritation
Sometimes used before certain medical tests like urine tests or surgeries
In hospitals, it may also be used to manage metabolic acidosis (a condition where the body makes too much acid)
How It Works
Sodium Citrate works by turning into bicarbonate in the body. This helps neutralize or balance out excess acid in the stomach or urine. It makes the body’s environment more alkaline (less acidic), which can reduce pain or irritation caused by acid.
Dosage
As prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects
Mild side effects (usually from too much):
Swelling (especially in hands, feet)
High blood pressure
Feeling bloated or puffy
Serious but rare side effects:
Trouble breathing
Chest tightness
Fast heartbeat
Confusion or seizures (if sodium levels get too high or too low)
Precautions
Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, kidney problems, or high blood pressure
Don’t use too much — too much salt can be harmful
If on a low-sodium diet, check with your doctor first
Follow the dosage exactly if using nasal sprays or IV fluid
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage
