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Article by Clinical Pharmacist - Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
People with mild symptoms of COVID-19 can self-isolate and treat at home. You should equip yourself with knowledge about using drugs to treat COVID-19 symptoms so that you can use them at home effectively and safely. Below are some common symptoms and suggestions for some over-the-counter medications that people with mild Covid-19 and their loved ones can refer to.
1. Fever and body aches
Paracetamol with popular brand names such as Efferalgan or Panadol, has antipyretic and analgesic effects. The usual dose of paracetamol in adults is 500 mg every 4 to 6 hours when symptoms are present. Do not use more than 4000mg (8 tablets) of paracetamol in 24 hours. Note that paracetamol can be combined in many cold and flu medicines, patients need to carefully read the ingredients before using to avoid duplication, leading to overdosage. People with liver disease or alcoholism should consult their doctor or pharmacist before using. Children under 16 years of age usually need to use the drug at a dose corresponding to the child's weight, the usual dose is 10-15mg/kg/dose every 4-6 hours as needed. Talk to your pharmacist for advice on the right dose.
In case fever is not effective with paracetamol, patients can alternate with NSAID drugs such as ibuprofen. The usual dose of ibuprofen is 400mg every 8 hours for fever or pain. Note that the drug should be used after meals to avoid gastrointestinal irritation. People with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular disease should consult a doctor, pharmacist before using the drug. Children need to use the drug in a dose appropriate for their weight, the usual dose is 8-10mg/kg/dose every 8 hours as needed. Talk to your pharmacist for advice on the right dose.
2. Stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing
In the treatment of COVID-19 symptoms, antihistamines work to reduce symptoms of nasal congestion and runny nose, making the patient more comfortable. New generation antihistamines such as desloratadine, fexofenadine, loratadine cause less drowsiness than previous generation drugs such as diphenhydramine, clopheniramine. Dosage depends on the type of drug and strength, patients need to consult a pharmacist before use.
Topical decongestants containing oxymetazolin can relieve nasal congestion quickly. Use 1-2 sprays (with spray) or 1-2 drops (with drops) in each nostril, 1-2 times a day for 3 days when symptomatic. Avoid prolonged use, as drug dependence is possible.
Local hygiene with a nasal spray containing sea salt helps to remove secretions, clean and clear the airways. Patients can use nasal sprays containing sea salt water. The advantage of this product is that saline is contained in a spray bottle with compressed air, saline is sprayed out of the spray head with strong pressure, dispersed quickly and deeply into the nasal cavity. Another option is a nasal irrigation bottle combined with a 0.9% saline powder pack. The advantage of this tool is that it helps the patient to clear the nose with a large volume of saline, suitable for people with a lot of secretions.
Some nasal spray products contain propolis ingredients and radial plant extracts, which, in addition to the cleansing effect, also prevent the growth of bacteria and viruses, and limit the local inflammation of the nose. nose and throat.
3. Sore throat
Throat lozenges contain antibiotics, antibacterial to help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, itchy neck and sore throat. The usual dose is 1 tablet every 3-4 hours when symptoms are present. In case of pain due to severe swelling and inflammation, lozenges with NSAID ingredients can be used for fast and effective pain relief.
Patients should gargle regularly with physiological saline or an antiseptic mouthwash to clean the oral cavity and throat, limiting the growth of bacteria and viruses.
4. Dry cough, cough with phlegm
Products containing the ingredient dextromethorphan have an effective cough suppressant effect in patients with COVID-19. In case of cough symptoms due to increased sputum production, patients should use home remedies for COVID-19 that have a sputum-thinning effect such as bromhexin, ambroxol. Dosage depends on the type of drug, age, consult a pharmacist for advice on the appropriate drug and dosage.
5. Tired
Symptoms of fatigue can be the result of dehydration due to fever, poor diet, diarrhea, vomiting... Patients should pay attention to add enough water and electrolytes with oresol. Mix oresol powder sachet with appropriate amount of filtered water according to instructions and drink instead of water. Patients with high fever often need to use 5 packs a day to ensure adequate hydration and electrolytes. It should be noted that oresol should not be mixed with orange juice, soft drinks or other types of water.
Patients can supplement vitamins and minerals with appropriate doses to help nourish the body and promote recovery.
Fatigue, fever, sore throat are common symptoms in Covid-19 patients. In addition to complying with the isolation measures as directed, nutritional supplements, customers can refer to the comprehensive symptomatic treatment package ("drug package A") proposed by the Hospital Pharmacists. Vinmec. Package A includes a full range of drugs to treat COVID-19 symptoms, with detailed instructions for use attached, bringing convenience to patients and their loved ones, while ensuring effectiveness and safety. during drug use. Interested customers, please contact the pharmacy of Vinmec International General Hospital through the following channels for advice:
Hospital pharmacy on the 1st floor of Vinmec Times City General Hospital, 1st floor pharmacy Vinmec Times City International General Hospital Hotline Pharmacy Vinmec Times City International Hospital: 089,655.3168 (SMS, Zalo). Shopee.vn/nhathuocvinmecofficialstore. The pharmacy has a COD shipping support service.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
