A majority of people around the world have a habit of using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for minor ailments. A substantial part of the revenues of the global pharmaceutical industry is generated through the sale of OTC drugs. However, what most people fail to realize is that it can be risky to use over-the-counter medications. Sometimes the user may have an allergic reaction or other complications by using OTC medications. In particular, little children, senior citizens, and pregnant women are more vulnerable to the risks of OTC drugs.
Risk of Excessive Dosage with OTC Drugs
Sometimes the user may not understand the instructions on dosage mentioned on the OTC drug package. It may lead to over-dosage which can be risky for the health. In some situations, the patient may be already taking a prescription medication that contains the same ingredients as the OTC drug. Therefore, a combination of the two medications may cause excess consumption of the medicine that may do more harm than good for the patient.
Adverse OTC Drug Reaction against a Prescribed Medication
In some cases, the patient may be taking a certain prescription drug that is chemically antagonistic to a particular over-the-counter medication. If the patient happens to use both medications together, there is a likelihood of drug reaction which can be serious. For example, prescription drugs for hypertension may have reactivity against certain over-the-counter decongestant medications. The patients should avoid risking such combinations on their own.
Reaction between Certain Foods and OTC Medications
There are several types of foods and beverages, whether synthetic or natural, that may contain acidic elements or chemicals and preservatives. Some of these products may produce an adverse reaction in the body when mixed with specific OTC drugs. Therefore, in absence of clear knowledge on such reactions, it is advisable to avoid excessive use of OTC drugs.
Danger of Allergic Reactions with Specific OTC Drugs
Sometimes a patient may have an allergy against certain specific chemicals and drugs. But these allergies remain unknown until the time there is an allergic reaction, and a blood test is conducted to determine the cause of the reaction. Certain OTC drugs may induce such allergies in specific cases. Therefore, the possibility of allergic reactions is an inherent risk for the user of OTC medication.
Risks of Consuming Alcohol Along With OTC Medicines
Persons who consume alcohol more than once a week may be advised by their physicians to avoid the use of several types of OTC drugs. Even simple-sounding medications for cough and cold can pose a serious danger to the health of an individual who is consuming alcohol regularly. In extreme situations, a combination of OTC drugs and alcohol may result in hampered breathing, internal bleeding, or even heart problems.
Source:
FamilyDoctor.org "OTC Medicines: Know your risks and reduce them" (accessed 19 May, 2010)
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