Are My Symptoms Side Effects of Cold Medication?

Q: Are My Symptoms Side Effects of Cold Medication?

Dear Ven： The medications mentioned above should not pose significant issues for treating your condition. <br>As for the discomfort experienced after taking the medication, it can be considered from two perspectives： one is related to the recent prescription, which means the side

Is this a side effect of taking cold medicine?

Hello, pharmacist.
I have been experiencing dizziness, headaches, fever, sore throat, and a slight cough, so I went to see a doctor.
The doctor examined me and said I have pharyngitis and prescribed some medication.
The medication bag contains Strocain, Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Clindamycin 150 mg capsules, Ibuprofen 400 mg tablets, and Medicon-A cough relief capsules, which I am to take four times a day after meals and before bed.

After I started taking the medication, about an hour after eating, I began to experience dizziness, nausea, sweating, and extreme hunger.
This situation occurs every time after taking the medication and lasts until just before the next dose.
Is this normal, or could it be that I am not eating enough, which is upsetting my stomach? (Regarding the extreme hunger) I have very little appetite due to the sore throat.
Additionally, I feel like I might be developing nearsightedness, which could be causing the dizziness.
Also, if I don’t have a fever, should I skip the fever-reducing medication? What is going on with me? Thank you.

van, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/08/03

Dr. Liao Lingmei reply Pharmacology

Dear Ven: The medications mentioned above should not pose significant issues for treating your condition.
As for the discomfort experienced after taking the medication, it can be considered from two perspectives: one is related to the recent prescription, which means the side effects of the medication, and the other is the possibility of underlying issues with bodily organs or functions.
Every medication has some degree of side effects, which can be common or uncommon, severe or mild, and may manifest differently in each individual.
Side effects typically resolve after the medication is eliminated from the body, unless there has been bodily harm.
The antipyretic and analgesic medication Ibuprofen not only reduces fever but also has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
If you are no longer experiencing fever and your throat pain has subsided, you may discontinue this medication.
Gastrointestinal side effects from Ibuprofen are common.
The cough medication Medicon-A and the gastrointestinal medication Strocain may occasionally cause dizziness.
All three medications can sometimes lead to nausea and vomiting, while Clindamycin is more commonly associated with diarrhea.
If there were pre-existing issues with bodily organs or functions, such as gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, or neurological problems causing dizziness, these could potentially be exacerbated by the medications.
If symptoms like fever, sore throat, or cough have improved, you may stop taking Ibuprofen and Medicon-A.
However, do not discontinue antibiotics on your own.
If symptoms like dizziness, sweating, and extreme hunger persist, please consult your physician for further evaluation during your follow-up visit.
Wishing you health and happiness.

Reply Date: 2008/08/03

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a range of symptoms after starting your medication for your throat inflammation, and it's understandable to be concerned about whether these symptoms are side effects of the medications you're taking. Let's break down your situation.

Firstly, the medications you've been prescribed include Strocain, Clindamycin, Ibuprofen, and Medicon-A. Each of these medications can have side effects, and it's important to consider how they might be interacting with your body.

1. Strocain: This is typically used as a local anesthetic and can cause side effects like dizziness or nausea in some individuals. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it could be related to this medication.

2. Clindamycin: This antibiotic can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and diarrhea. If you are feeling nauseous after taking this medication, it could be a reaction to it.

3. Ibuprofen: This non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is effective for pain relief and reducing fever, but it can also cause stomach upset, dizziness, and even gastrointestinal bleeding if taken in high doses or for extended periods. If you are taking it on an empty stomach, it might exacerbate these side effects.

4. Medicon-A: This cough medicine may also have side effects like drowsiness or dizziness, which could contribute to your overall feeling of being unwell.

Given that you are experiencing dizziness, nausea, sweating, and extreme hunger after taking your medications, it is possible that these symptoms are indeed side effects of the medications. The timing of your symptoms—occurring about an hour after taking your medications—suggests a correlation.
Regarding your concern about not eating enough due to your sore throat, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet, especially when you're ill. If you're not eating enough, it could lead to increased side effects from your medications, as they may irritate your stomach more when taken without food. Try to consume small, nutritious meals that are easy to swallow, such as soups or smoothies, to help manage your hunger and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to recover.

As for your question about whether you should continue taking the fever reducer (Ibuprofen) if you are not currently experiencing a fever, it is generally advisable to take it only if you have symptoms that warrant its use, such as pain or fever. If your throat pain has subsided and you are feeling better, you might not need to continue taking it.

Lastly, if your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have concerns about the side effects you are experiencing, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider. They can assess your situation more thoroughly and may adjust your medications or dosages as needed.
In summary, while some of your symptoms may be side effects of the medications, they could also be influenced by your overall health and dietary intake. It's important to communicate openly with your doctor about what you're experiencing so they can provide the best care for you.

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