What is Caffeine for:
This medication stimulates the brain; hence it is used as a central nervous stimulant. It is used along with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) andor ergotamine for migraine (severe headaches with nausea). It is also used for a breathing condition (apnea) in premature infants.
How does Caffeine work:
Caffeine fires up the brain.
How should Caffeine be used:
It may be administered orally at a dose of 100-200 mg , repeated after 3-4 hours as needed. For apnea in premature babies, it is administered intravenously or orally at an initial dose of 20 mgkg, followed by 5 mgkgday. It comes as a tablet, capsule to take by mouth. It is also available in injection, administered by the healthcare providers, directly into the vein.
Common side effects of Caffeine :
Nervous and excitable. - Grouchy or touchy. Not able to sleep.
What do I do if I miss a dose
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. - If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. - Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Many times this drug is taken on an as needed basis.
What precautions should I take when taking Caffeine :
If you have an allergy to caffeine or any other part of this drug. - Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
When do I need to seek medical help
If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. - Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. A fast heartbeat. Very nervous and excitable. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.
Can I take Caffeine with other medicines:
Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.
Are there any food restrictions
Avoid Alcohol
How do I store Caffeine :
Store it 25°C. Store it in air tight container and keep away from children.
Pregnancy Category
Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
Therapeutic Classification
Respiratory Stimulants, Antimigraine Preparations, Other CNS Drugs & Agents for ADHD
What is Diphenhydramine for:
This medication is an antihistamine, prescribed for severe allergic conditions such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes. It is also used for itching of insect bites, sunburns, bee stings, poison ivy, poison oak and minor skin irritation.
How does Diphenhydramine work:
Diphenhydramine lowers or stops the bodys reaction to the allergen. It helps treat a chemical imbalance. It calms the brain. It affects the throwing up (vomiting) center in the brain.
How should Diphenhydramine be used:
PO- Adult- The recommended dose is 25 mg to 50 mg (1 to 2 capsules).
Child- The recommended dose is 12.5 mg to 25 mg (1 capsule).
Topical: Apply a thin layer over the affected area as directed by your physician.
It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food.
It also comes as a cream, lotion and ointment to apply topically
Common side effects of Diphenhydramine :
Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred eyesight, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you. Hard stools (constipation). Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to your diet may help. Talk with your doctor about a stool softener or laxative. Dry mouth. Good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. See a dentist often.
What do I do if I miss a dose
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Many times this drug is taken on an as needed basis
What precautions should I take when taking Diphenhydramine :
Do not give Benadryl® Childrens Allergy Fastmelt® if your child is allergic to peanuts or soybeans. If you have an allergy to diphenhydramine or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have asthma. If you are breast-feeding.
When do I need to seek medical help
If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Not able to pass urine. Feeling very tired or weak. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.
Can I take Diphenhydramine with other medicines:
Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.
Are there any food restrictions
Avoid Alcohol
How do I store Diphenhydramine :
Store it at room temperature.
Pregnancy Category
Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
Therapeutic Classification
Antihistamines & Antiallergics
What is Paracetamol for:
It is used to used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever.
How does Paracetamol work:
Paracetamol blocks chemicals that cause pain. It lowers fever by changing the bodys thermostat in the brain.
How should Paracetamol be used:
Take this as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than instructed by your doctor. Never take more than 1000 mg at any one time and no more than 4 times in one day. The dose for a child is different from the adult dose. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. It may be taken with or without food. If you need pain relief fast, take it on an empty stomach as food may slow down the absorption. You may stop taking it when you have no more pain or fever. Take it only when you need to.
Common side effects of Paracetamol :
Upset stomach or throwing up. Harm to the liver may rarely happen.
What do I do if I miss a dose
Many times this drug is taken on an as needed basis.
What precautions should I take when taking Paracetamol :
Do not take this drug if you had an allergy to this or similar drugs in the past. Do not take it if you have liver or kidney failure.
When do I need to seek medical help
Seek help if you are having an allergic reaction to the drug. Signs include rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, face, tongue; or hives. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; sweating; extreme tiredness; unusual bleeding or bruising; pain in the stomach; yellowing of the skin. Contact an emergency centre immediately if you suspect overdose.
Can I take Paracetamol with other medicines:
Alert your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin.
Are there any food restrictions
Avoid Alcohol
How do I store Paracetamol :
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Pregnancy Category
Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
Therapeutic Classification
Non-Opioid Analgesics & Antipyretics
What is Phenylephrine for:
This medication is a selective alpha agonist, used to increase blood pressure and topically as a nasal decongestant. It is also used in the eye to dilate the pupil or to constrict superficial blood vessels in eye allergy. It works by reducing swelling of the blood vessels in the nasal passages.
How does Phenylephrine work:
Phenylephrine shrinks swollen nose tissue and opens up passages. It shrinks blood vessels to raise blood pressure. It helps some numbing drugs work longer.
How should Phenylephrine be used:
It comes as a tablet, a liquid, or a dissolving strip to take by mouth. It is also comes as eye drops and nasal solution, instilled over affected area.
Common side effects of Phenylephrine :
High blood pressure. Nervous and excitable. Dry mouth. Good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. See a dentist often. Not able to sleep.
What do I do if I miss a dose
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Many times this drug is taken on an as needed basis.
What precautions should I take when taking Phenylephrine :
If you have an allergy to phenylephrine or any other part of this drug. If you have a sulfite allergy, talk with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this drug is started. Taking both at the same time could cause risky high blood pressure.
When do I need to seek medical help
If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Chest pain or pressure, a fast heartbeat, or passing out. Very bad headache. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.
Can I take Phenylephrine with other medicines:
Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.
Are there any food restrictions
Avoid Alcohol
How do I store Phenylephrine :
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Pregnancy Category
Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Therapeutic Classification
Nasal Decongestants & Other Nasal Preparations, Mydriatic Drugs