The high rate at which over-the-counter (OTC) medications are being consumed has led people to overlook their severe risks, including side effects that can be irreversible. It is imperative to read labels carefully and understand the active ingredients in these products.
For instance, long-term consumption of pain relievers can drastically affect kidney function, and elements like antihistamines may cause drowsiness or even affect some people's capacities to think rationally and make it difficult to perform day-to-day tasks.
Dr. Rahul Chauda, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology, Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital Kaushambi , said "OTC medicines have side effects, from nausea to severe allergic reactions or digestive system failure. Specifically, prolonged intake of NSAIDs and acetaminophen might negatively impact kidney and liver functions. Awareness and responsible use of these drugs should be practised to ensure one's health and safety in these drugs.”
One such example is paracetamol, which is often used to treat fever and pain. To avoid liver damage, paracetamol should not be taken more than four times a day in 500 mg or 650 mg doses.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include diclofenac, ibuprofen (Brufen), and nimesulide. These drugs may cause gastrointestinal problems such as acid reflux and stomach ulcers. They can also cause renal damage, especially in the elderly or those with diabetes and hypertension.
Anti-allergy drugs used to treat common colds and sore throats might cause drowsiness and should not be taken prior to driving.
Dr. A.P. Singh, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital Kaushambi , said "People take many over-the-counter medications to treat minor ailments such as pain, seasonal colds, and acidity. OTC might induce side effects if not taken in the proper dosage. There are fair warnings on the labels of all drugs, yet people don't refrain from consuming them without the consultation of a healthcare professional. Tablets, such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin, are taken when treating minor colds, fever, headaches, and inflammation and may cause liver damage in cases of over-dosage that includes alcohol consumption.”
Some cold medicines contain chemicals such as ephedrine or phenylephrine, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. As a result, they should be used with caution in older individuals and those with pre-existing medical issues. Several acid-relief drugs, such as pantoprazole, omeprazole, and esomeprazole, are only indicated for short-term use since prolonged use might suppress normal acid levels in the stomach, potentially leading to infections and kidney damage.
Users should be aware of the potential side effects and adhere to the suggested maximum dosage. Therefore, one must make sure to take OTC medicines in the prescribed dosage.
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For instance, long-term consumption of pain relievers can drastically affect kidney function, and elements like antihistamines may cause drowsiness or even affect some people's capacities to think rationally and make it difficult to perform day-to-day tasks.
Dr. Rahul Chauda, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology, Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital Kaushambi , said "OTC medicines have side effects, from nausea to severe allergic reactions or digestive system failure. Specifically, prolonged intake of NSAIDs and acetaminophen might negatively impact kidney and liver functions. Awareness and responsible use of these drugs should be practised to ensure one's health and safety in these drugs.”
One such example is paracetamol, which is often used to treat fever and pain. To avoid liver damage, paracetamol should not be taken more than four times a day in 500 mg or 650 mg doses.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include diclofenac, ibuprofen (Brufen), and nimesulide. These drugs may cause gastrointestinal problems such as acid reflux and stomach ulcers. They can also cause renal damage, especially in the elderly or those with diabetes and hypertension.
Anti-allergy drugs used to treat common colds and sore throats might cause drowsiness and should not be taken prior to driving.
Dr. A.P. Singh, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital Kaushambi , said "People take many over-the-counter medications to treat minor ailments such as pain, seasonal colds, and acidity. OTC might induce side effects if not taken in the proper dosage. There are fair warnings on the labels of all drugs, yet people don't refrain from consuming them without the consultation of a healthcare professional. Tablets, such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin, are taken when treating minor colds, fever, headaches, and inflammation and may cause liver damage in cases of over-dosage that includes alcohol consumption.”
Some cold medicines contain chemicals such as ephedrine or phenylephrine, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. As a result, they should be used with caution in older individuals and those with pre-existing medical issues. Several acid-relief drugs, such as pantoprazole, omeprazole, and esomeprazole, are only indicated for short-term use since prolonged use might suppress normal acid levels in the stomach, potentially leading to infections and kidney damage.
Users should be aware of the potential side effects and adhere to the suggested maximum dosage. Therefore, one must make sure to take OTC medicines in the prescribed dosage.
Video
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