Side effects of BoxaGrippal
The possible side effects of BoxaGrippal® result from the side effects of the active ingredients ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine. In general, serious side effects rarely occur when this drug is taken for short periods of time. If BoxaGrippal® is taken in very high doses or over several weeks, the risk of many side effects increases dramatically.
Due to the effects on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, side effects are particularly prevalent on the latter. The most common are digestive problems, heartburn, abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and, in extreme cases, stomach and intestinal bleeding. Existing inflammations or ulcers of the mucous membranes of the stomach or existing inflammations of the intestines, such as in the context of a chronic inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can be intensified by the damaging effect of ibuprofen on the mucous membranes.
After prolonged intake, the occurrence of a stomach ulcer is possible. Pseudoephedrine can cause high blood pressure, headaches, palpitations, insomnia or urinary retention due to its vasoconstrictive and circulatory stimulating effect. As with all drugs, hypersensitivity reactions or allergies with itching, wheals or circulatory problems can occur.
If such symptoms occur, a doctor must be consulted immediately. It is not uncommon for asthmatics to experience what is known as painkiller asthma, an asthma attack caused by painkillers. If one should observe one of these or other side effects per se, a doctor or pharmacist should always be consulted. It should be noted that BoxaGrippal® should not be taken if pain, rhinitis or sinusitis are present separately. The reason for this is that to combat symptoms occurring in isolation, drugs with only one active ingredient should be used to reduce the risk of side effects.
Interactions of BoxaGrippal®
If different drugs are taken at the same time, they can influence each other’s effects. Some drugs then have a stronger effect, others a weaker one. Taking BoxaGrippal® can lead to such interactions with many medications.
Although they rarely play a decisive role, they can lead to serious side effects. It is therefore important to ask a doctor or pharmacist about compatibility with other medicines that need to be taken. Due to potentially strong interactions, BoxaGrippal® must never be taken together with the drugs apraclonidine, methylphenidate, selegiline and tranylcypromine. If other painkillers or vasoconstrictive drugs (such as nasal spray) are used, BoxaGrippal® should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist.
Difference between BoxaGrippal® and Grippostad®
Boxagrippal® and Grippostad® are drugs that are usually used to relieve symptoms of common cold symptoms such as sore throat, headaches, rhinitis and fever. The two drugs contain completely different active ingredients. Grippostad® is available in various forms – for example, “Grippostad Tag” is available in pharmacies in addition to “Grippostad C”.
Most formulations contain the active ingredients paracetamol and caffeine. In addition, Grippostad may contain vitamin C, vasoconstrictive substances or an anti-allergic agent. Whether and how the effect of Boxagrippal® and Grippostad® differs from person to person.
From a pharmacological point of view, Boxagrippal® should combat pain more effectively, while Grippostad C® should lead to a better night’s sleep due to its potentially fatiguing effect. It is difficult to assess how well the drugs compare in terms of how well they influence a cold and a stuffy nose, or how strongly they have a stimulating effect. As there are a whole range of other medicines besides Boxagrippal® and Grippostad® that can be used to combat the symptoms of a cold, it is advisable to test various medicines before making the final choice of a suitable remedy.
