6 over -the -counter drugs can be dangerous if you take them wrong, says the pharmacist
You may not need a prescription for these, but you have to be cautious.
Because they are easy to obtain in your local pharmacy, over -the -counter medicines (OTC) may seem quite harmless. But in fact, there are a lot ofpotential dangers This comes with certain over -the -counter medications if they are not taken properly. Take too much or combine themwith other drugs, for example, can be quite dangerous.
"If you are on prescription drugs, always ask your pharmacist / doctor before taking over the counter," saidCACHEMIRA Govind, Pharmd, pharmacist forThe FARR Institute, which also suggests reading the labels of all the drugs or supplements you take.
Read more to discover about six over -the -counter medicines that can cause serious problems if they are badly taken.
Read this then:Never take these 2 common over -the -counter drugs at the same time, experts warn.
1 Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a popular over -the -counter medicine better known as Tylenol and Excedin, among others. Pharmacists recommend acetaminophen because it is effective inapproach pain and fever. "But if you often take it, and with alcohol, it could cause liver damage," warns Govind.
2 Antihistamine
Alcohol can cause dangerous side effects when associated with various drugs, both on prescription and over -the -counter. "Alcohol takenwith antihistamines Can cause increased drowsiness, "explains Govind. In addition, because some alcohols contain histamines, Goodrx warns that" sip your favorite drink could actuallyworsen the effects of your allergies. ""
3 Aspirin
Another common pain reliever, aspirin is different from acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil or Motrin. "Aspirin is usedTo treat pain, and reduce fever or inflammation, ”according to Drugs.com”. It is sometimes used to treat or prevent heart attacks, cerebral vascular accidents and chest pain (chest). ""
However, "aspirin as well as your prescribed blood diluent [increases]The risk of bleeding, "Said Govind." Do not take aspirin for evils and pain if you take anticoagulants, like warfarin. ""AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
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4 Laxatives
Pharmacistscan be suspicious to provide laxatives. "If it is taken incorrectly longer than the prescribed treatment period, [laxatives] can lead to complications such as weight loss and possible damage to structures in the intestines responsible for digestion and absorption nutrients, "warns Govind.
Constipation can be a symptom of more serious conditions orSide effect of drugs, then check with your medical supplier if you are constipated forA week or more, WebMD advises.
5 Decongestant
"Take over -the -counter decongestants with great caution ifYou have hypertension (High blood pressure) because decongestants can increase your blood pressure, "advises Govind.
According to Mayo Clinic, decongestants are the over -the -counter medication that causes the mostpeople with hypertension. "The decongestants relieved a nasal suffocation by narrowing the blood vessels and reducing the swelling in the nose," explains the site. "This narrowing can also affect other blood vessels, which can increase blood pressure."
6 Food supplements
"Food supplements can often interact with the prescription drugs you take," says Govind. "The thousandpertuis is commonly sold as a" natural "remedy for manyConditions such as depression, Symptoms of menopause, etc., and will interact with drugs [such as] oral contraceptives [and] antidepressants. ""
In addition, the American Cancer Society Note predicts that patients receiving cancer treatmentshould be cautious When you use food supplements. "Antioxidants, such as C and E vitamins, could make certain chemotherapy drugs less efficient," reports the site. "Vitamin K can make warfarin more minure in the blood less effective and increase the risk of blood coagulation."
Best Life offers the most recent information from high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.
