Over-the-counter drugs are drugs that can be givenli without a doctor's prescription. This medicine is safe consumed when duse sesgive instructions. Even though However, over-the-counter drugs also have risks and can cause side effects that are harmful to health, especially when misused.
Over-the-counter drugs are generally taken to treat mild symptoms that do not require consulting a doctor, such as fever, itching, or mild pain, such as toothache and headache.
Although safe for consumption, over-the-counter drugs that are used carelessly or inappropriately can actually trigger the emergence of other health problems.
Risks of Using Over-the-counter Drugs
Not a few people who often use over-the-counter drugs without finding out their complaints to the doctor. Over-the-counter drugs generally can only relieve certain symptoms, but do not completely treat the disease.
If consumed not according to the right dose or not according to the instructions for use, over-the-counter drugs can even pose a risk to health.
Here are some things you need to know about over-the-counter drugs and the risks if over-the-counter medicines are used inappropriately:
1. Over-the-counter drug side effects
All types of drugs can cause side effects. However, the use of drugs that are not in accordance with the dosage or dosage can increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, make sure to first read the rules for using the drug and take the drug properly.
2. Contraindications to over-the-counter drugs
Not only do they cause side effects, some types of over-the-counter drugs sometimes should not be consumed by people who have certain diseases or medical conditions.
For example, decongestant cold medicine should not be taken by people who have hypertension because it can cause side effects in the form of increasing blood pressure.
3. Drug interactions
Drug interactions can occur due to improper way of taking medication. For example, taking over-the-counter drugs along with other drugs, supplements, herbal products, alcoholic beverages, or certain foods. The effects of drug interactions can make over-the-counter drugs not work effectively in the body.
In fact, drug interactions can also cause other dangerous side effects. For example, taking ibuprofen and aspirin together can cause bleeding in the digestive tract.
4. The dose of drug use is not right
Although it can be obtained easily, over-the-counter drugs must still be used according to the instructions listed on the packaging label. Consumption with the wrong dose, too often, and too much exceeding the recommended dose can have a negative impact on health.
The use of over-the-counter drugs that exceed the dose or duration of use can have the risk of causing the following side effects:
- Unstable heart rate and blood pressure, either decreasing or increasing
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Chest pain
- Hard to breathe
- Digestive disorders, such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain
- Poisoning
- Seizures
- Vomiting blood
- Damage to body organs, such as liver and kidneys
Not only that, overdose can occur when over-the-counter drugs are consumed in excess, causing coma and death.
5. The risk of using over-the-counter drugs in certain groups
Not all types of over-the-counter drugs can be given to children and the elderly. This is because their bodies respond to drugs differently than adults in general. In addition, the use of over-the-counter drugs without consulting a doctor for pregnant and lactating women can also harm the baby's condition.
Therefore, the use of drugs, both over-the-counter and prescription drugs, in this group must be under the supervision of a doctor.
Guide to Taking Over-the-counter Drugs
Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking over-the-counter drugs:
alwaysu read the label
Always read and follow the dosage information, side effects, and contraindications on the label instructions for use each time you are going to take the drug. The dosages listed have been adjusted to bring about benefits with minimal side effects.
Consumption of drugs according to the measuring device
Recognize the difference and stick to the dosage listed on the medicine package, such as 1 tablespoon (15 ml), 1 teaspoon (5 ml), or 1 tablet. Use the measuring device provided in the package to measure the drug according to the recommended dose.
Kappropriate drug intake indications and instructions eateraian
Always take the drug according to the indications and instructions for use listed on the product. Usually, for over-the-counter drug products such as tablets and syrups, the instructions for use are differentiated based on certain age groups, namely adults, children, and toddlers.
Follow these instructions for use and avoid using drugs carelessly or by guessing without looking at the existing provisions.
The guidelines above can help you avoid the risks and dangers that over-the-counter drugs can pose. If you still have questions about how to use a particular drug, don't hesitate to consult your doctor.
