07/2008

COMMON COLD STAND-BY MEDICATION PACK FOR ADULTS

UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICE, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
Medications in this pack may help to provide symptomatic relief in common cold.
1.)

What is common cold and what are the symptoms?

Common Cold is a very common illness caused by a virus infection of the upper airway spread by
inhaling droplets in the air.
The usual symptoms are general tiredness, muscular aches, headaches, slight fever, sore-throat, and
running nose with watery or yellowish discharge. Cough may be caused by the backward dripping of
nasal secretion into the throat.

2.)

You can help yourself with the following SIMPLE MEASURES without taking medication.
Blow your nose clear regularly, steam inhalation may help to clear your nose.
Frequent hot drinks can help to soothe your throat.
Drink plenty of fluids, have your normal meals, and keep yourself warm (but not hot).
Cut down your exercise or work load, and go to bed early.
DO NOT SMOKE.

3.)

Should I see a doctor?

THERE IS NO NEED FOR A FIT HEALTHY ADULT WITH A COLD TO SEE A DOCTOR.
The condition usually clears itself within a week. Sometimes mild intermittent cough due to post nasal drip
and nasal discharge may last longer (especially when there is a history of nasal allergy). Nevertheless, see
your doctor should you think you are developing Influenza. (Influenza is another more serious illness with
similar symptoms such as cough, sorethroat and runny nose. But it is usually accompanied by chills and
high fever >38 or 100.4).

4.)

Consult a doctor if
You are pregnant.
You have a temperature 38 or 100.4.
You have distressing symptoms.
You have unexpected symptoms such as earache, difficult breathing, chest pain etc.
You have other on-going chronic medical problems.
You have persistent discoloured or blood stained nasal discharge or sputum.
You are not beginning to get better after one week.
You are allergic to the medicines listed below.

PLEASE

REMEMBER THAT MINOR SYMPTOMS CAN BE MANAGED WITHOUT ANY MEDICATION.

THERE

IS NO SPECIFIC

TREATMENT IN COMMON COLD TO HASTEN NATURAL RECOVERY. MEDICATIONS CAN ONLY PROVIDE SYMPTOMATIC RELIEF.

Listed below are medications supplied in the pack:Side effects

How to take

Paracetamol 500mg
(Panadol Eq.) 12 tablets

Headache
muscle pains
Fever

Rare

1-2 tablet every 4 hours

for adults
maximum 8 tablets
in 24 hours

Chlorpheniramine
Maleate 4mg
(Piriton Eq.) 12 tablets

Runny nose, nasal

congestion, and
cough caused by post
nasal drip

Drowsiness
May impair ability to drive
or operate fine machinery.

1 tablet
every 6-8 hours
Should not be taken
with alcohol

Dequalinium
Chloride Lozenge 250mcg
(Dequadin loz Eq.) 10 tablets

Sore throat

Rare

1 lozenge to be sucked as
required up to
three times a day

/fy

Drug

Uses