Chemistry: Reactions in medicine By: Lakendra VanEvery

Explanation Chemicals are mixed to create a compound that is used to create various medicines that help people when they’re sick. An example of this is Benylin; an active ingredient in Benylin is {insert name here}, which {insert task here}. Dosage is very important to pay close attention to, as there are many warnings listed on the bottle that tell the user to: not mix with other medicines that the user may be taking, a certain age/dosage must be directed, and if one does not follow the instructions on the label, bodily harm may occur.

For example, see images provided:

Mixing medications is not a wise decision at all Mixing medications is not a wise decision at all. According to the Venn diagram below, it shows the relations to why one should not mix Benylin and Tylenol, as the ingredient acetaminophen (used to treat headache, pain, etc.) is used in both medications. If the user does combine both products listed, the chance of overdossage may occur.

Overdose: Symptoms and signs Diphenhydramine - Mild to moderate symptoms: Drowsiness, anticholinergic syndrome (hyperpyrexia, mydriasis, flushing, fever, tachycardia, dry mouth, urinary retention, decreased bowel sounds, agitation confusion and hallucinations), mild hypertension, nausea and vomiting are common after overdose (McNeil Healthcare (Ireland) Ltd, 2015). Severe Symptoms: Effects may include delirium, psychosis, seizures, coma, hypotension, QRS widening, and ventricular dysrhythmias (including torsades de pointe), but are generally only reported in adults after large ingestions. Rhabdomyolysis and renal failure may rarely develop in patients with prolonged agitation, coma, or seizures. Death may occur as a result of respiratory failure or circulatory collapse .With higher doses, and particularly in children, symptoms of CNS excitation including insomnia, nervousness, tremors and epileptiform convulsions may appear; with massive doses, coma or cardiovascular collapse may follow (McNeil Healthcare (Ireland) Ltd, 2015).

Overdose: Symptoms and signs (cont’d) Menthol - Excessive use of menthol may lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, flushed face, dizziness, weakness, tachycardia, stupor, and ataxia (McNeil Healthcare (Ireland) Ltd, 2015). Treatment of overdose should be symptomatic and supportive. Measures to promote rapid gastric emptying (with syrup of ipecac-induced emesis or gastric lavage) and, in cases of acute poisoning, the use of activated charcoal, may be useful. The intravenous use of physostigmine may be efficacious in antagonising severe anticholinergic symptoms (McNeil Healthcare (Ireland) Ltd, 2015).

References BENYLIN. (2014, September 15). “Get Relief Responsibility”. Retrieved from https://www.benylin.ca/articles/get-relief-responsibly McNeil Healthcare (Ireland) Ltd. (2015, July 8). “Benylin Cough Medicine”. Retrieved from http://www.medicines.ie/medicine/3438/SPC/Benylin+Cough+Medicine/