VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: lek. Patryk Jasielski

Over-the-counter drugs are a group of drugs that can be purchased by anyone without consulting a doctor and having an appropriate prescription issued by him. The abuse of this type of preparation is the scourge of the 21st century. You can buy them literally anywhere. In addition to pharmacies, they are available in grocery stores, gas stations, and even kiosks. Many people are unaware that these are drugs and that taking them inappropriately can harm their he alth. What are the most common mistakes when taking over-the-counter medications?

OTC (over-the-counter) medications , i.e. over-the-counter medications, are popular and frequently taken medications. These include all known painkillers, antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofren and acetaminophen. They are also antihistamines used to relieve allergy symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors that are used to treat the symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux (or troublesome heartburn) are also OTC drugs. Others include remedies for coughs, antivirals, antibiotic ointments or herbal preparations.

The above medications, when used properly, can help alleviate minor ailments. However, if taken unreasonably, they can pose a he alth risk. This article will discuss the most common mistakes that occur when taking over-the-counter medications.

Combining two drugs containing the same active substance or from the same drug group

One of the most common mistakes is taking two the same drugs at the same time or taking different ones, but belonging to the same group, and therefore having the same effects.

Each drug has its own name, given to it by the pharmaceutical company. This is the trade name of the drug. In addition to it,on the packaging with the drug contains the name of the active substance(often in Latin) contained in a given preparation. It is an international name. Medicines with different trade names may contain the same active ingredient.

In the case of prescription drugs, the doctor checks that the patient does not take the same drug in different commercial preparations. The person taking an over-the-counter medication may be unaware and may be taking the same medication in different medications.

Another mistake maybebetaking two drugs from the same group . One of the drugs takes full advantage of the therapeutic potential in the body, and the other cannot increase it anymore. Then you do not get an additional, beneficial therapeutic effect, but only exposes you to side effects.

Exceeding the maximum daily dose

Each drug, including over-the-counter drugs, has a specific maximum daily dose. This is the dose determined experimentally by scientists, beyond which the drug reaches a dangerous concentration in the body. It may cause damage to internal organs, e.g. the liver.

A person unaware of the risk, in the event of ineffectiveness of the drug, may take too high doses of it to achieve the desired effect. This is a common mistake, especially if the symptoms are bothersome and you expect quick relief from suffering.

Read also: How to read medicine leaflets? [EXPLAIN]

Taking medication at wrong intervals

Another common mistake when taking over-the-counter medications is taking them at the wrong time intervals. Both too frequent and too infrequent ingestion can be harmful. If the time intervals between doses are shortened, the drug will not work more effectively and there is only a risk of overdosing.

Taking medications too rarely, including OTC medications, reduces their effectiveness. This is becausein the healing process the continuity oftherapy is very important. Examples include the use of painkillers and antipyretics. Taking them at appropriate intervals maintains the appropriate concentration of the drug in the body and prevents temperature increases, pain or aggravation of inflammation. After too long a break between doses, the body "needs time" to fight the troublesome symptoms again.

Failure to read the package leaflet of the drug

The information leaflet attached to each drug contains the most important information on indications and contraindications for the use of a given substance. It also containsa description of how to take, as well as how to properly dose . It also lists dangerous interactions with other preparations and the most common side effects.

Before using any drug, please read the information contained in this leaflet. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to understand the information contained therein without having the appropriate specialist knowledge. Therefore, in case of doubt, it is worth consulting with a person who has the appropriate one before using the drugeducation, e.g. with a pharmacist.

Read also: What are the side effects of taking paracetamol? Check it out!

Taking an OTC drug for a long time without consulting a doctor

In the case of short-term and mildly severe symptoms, such as mild headache, heartburn or allergic rhinitis, you can alleviate them on your own with over-the-counter medications. As we know, a visit to the doctor is not necessary in every case. However, if the symptoms are severe, bothersome and interfere with everyday functioning, you should immediately see a doctor.

Similarly, when they are not severe but persist for a long time despite using over-the-counter medications. Medicines can only suppress ailments that are a symptom of a more serious disease that requires specialist treatment.

Most people reach for over-the-counter medications from time to time. These are useful remedies for reducing the symptoms of colds, headaches, and muscle aches. When using them, it is important toremember the basic safety rules.Read the information leaflet, and if in doubt, consult a pharmacist or doctor.

You should follow the correct dosage, and in the event of ineffectiveness, make an appointment with a doctor. This will allow you to use medications safely and effectively, without side effects.

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