What are the side effects of Baijiahei?

Generally speaking, "Baijiahei" refers to the compound preparation of acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, chlorpheniramine, and pseudoephedrine (e.g., Day & Night tablets). Its side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, central nervous system depression, allergic reactions, liver damage, kidney problems, and others. It is recommended to use this medication strictly under medical guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Some components of the tablet may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and interfere with normal gastrointestinal motility and secretion of digestive fluids, thereby causing symptoms such as nausea and epigastric discomfort. Meanwhile, the drug's stimulation of nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract affects the normal perception and feedback mechanisms, leading to symptoms like dry mouth and loss of appetite.

2. Central Nervous System Depression

Some components of the medication can cross the blood-brain barrier and act on neurotransmitter receptors within the central nervous system, interfering with normal neural signal transmission, which may result in symptoms such as drowsiness and somnolence. Additionally, these components can affect the balance between excitation and inhibition in the cerebral cortex, disrupting normal neural regulation, thus causing symptoms like dizziness and irritability.

3. Allergic Reaction

Differences in individual constitution may cause some patients' immune systems to recognize certain components of the tablet as foreign antigens. Activation of the immune system leads to the release of histamine and other allergic mediators, causing symptoms such as skin itching and rash. In cases of severe allergy, these mediators further induce contraction of respiratory smooth muscles and increased vascular permeability, resulting in more severe symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.

4. Liver Problems

Long-term and excessive use of this medication increases the burden on the liver during its metabolic process, affecting the activity of liver metabolic enzymes and leading to abnormal liver function, such as darkened urine. Moreover, the drug and its metabolites may exert direct toxic effects on hepatocytes, damaging their normal structure and function, thereby causing symptoms such as jaundice of the skin or eyes.

5. Kidney Problems

After entering the body, the tablet is excreted through the kidneys. Some patients' kidneys are particularly sensitive to certain components of the drug, which may cause damage to renal tubular function, affecting urine production and excretion, resulting in symptoms such as difficulty urinating. At the same time, the medication may cause renal vasoconstriction or deposition of immune complexes, impairing the kidneys' normal filtration and reabsorption functions, leading to symptoms such as hematuria and significant weight gain due to kidney dysfunction.

When using this medication, patients should strictly follow the dosage and administration instructions provided by the physician or as indicated in the product information leaflet, avoiding overdose or prolonged use. Additionally, patients should closely monitor their physical responses and discontinue the medication promptly if any adverse reactions occur, seeking medical advice immediately.