Watch that Pill

You have the sniffles and a sore throat to boot? Pop a decongestant and you are ready to go, right. Not quite. In India, over-the-counter O...

You have the sniffles and a sore throat to boot? Pop a decongestant and you are ready to go, right. Not quite. In India, over-the-counter OTC drugs are easy to come by and easier to abuse. With a wide variety of non prescription drugs to choose from and little or no information about their side-effects or the harmful conjunctions, the Indian customer has to negotiate the minefield that is self-medication, with care. From infamous liver raptures when alcohol is combined with a common paracetamol to habit-forming laxatives. Here is a sample of how the proveat8217;s should read:

What are some of the most common medications, their uses and effects?
STIMULANTS: Amphetamines and caffeine are stimulants used primarily to delay the onset of mental and physical fatigue. These drug compounds are also often found in diet pills which, if misused, can lead to Anorexia Nervosa. Caffeine is also found in many beverages, pain medications and allergy and cold remedies. Unusually high doses or excessive use of stimulants over long periods of time can lead to anxiety, hallucinations, severe depression and physical and psychological dependence.

ANALGESICS: PARACETAMOL and ASPRIN Crocin, Disprin 8212; Some of the most widely used analgesics, available in over-the-counter forms, are used to treat fever, arthritis and pain; possible side-effects can include nausea, heartburn or development of bleeding ulcers. Reye8217;s syndrome may develop if asprin is given to children with the flu or chicken pox. This disease is characterised by vomiting, swelling of the brain and liver, difficulty with mental functioning, and can often lead to death. People with liver damage should also avoid using these drugs.

ANTI-ALLERGY MEDICATION Avil,Forestel, Allegra, Altiva These are popular for pollen and dust related allergies as well as rashes and skin eruptions especially when accompanied with itching. These drugs are very habit-forming and if taken frequently can thin the stomach lining.

IBUPROFEN Brufen, Advil, Nuprin 8212; is used to relieve pain associated with arthritis, menstrual cramping and discomfort, fever, and muscle strains. Possible side-effects might include an upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness, headache or ringing in the ears. Overuse of this drug may lead to confusion, tingling in hands and feet and vomiting.

ANTIHISTAMINES AND DECONGESTANTS These medications are typically used to relieve itchy, watery eyes and reduce congestion due to allergies, colds and flu. They can cause drowsiness or excitability.

ANTITUSSIVES AND EXPECTORANTS 8211; Antitussives are cough suppressants used to treat painful, persistent coughs. Expectorants are used to help clear mucous from the respiratory system. Both medications may contain alcohol and some may contain narcotics, such as codeine, to relieve pain and induce sleep. Some may be addictive. People also abuse these medications for the effects derived from alcohol use, as the alcohol content in some OTC preparations may be as high as 40 per cent.

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Who is the best person to guide the selection of medication?
8216;8216;The first time that any medication is used it must be prescribed by a qualified doctor, thereafter some degree of self-medication is okay but the patient must always keep in mind the various risks associated with it,8217;8217; says Dr Pandey, Head of the Department of Medicine at AIIMS. A useful reference book the Indian Drug Review which provides information about drug interactions and their side-effects.