Good Lifestyle

Over the counter (OTC), the consumption of drugs is incredibly common. According to Pharmacy , almost nine out of ten American adults take over -the -counter medication regularly , adding up to 260 million users. And over -the -counter medicines are so easily available and easy to access, it may be difficult to remember that they come with the dangers as well as advantages. Prescription or not, they are always drugs and should be used with care.

Overwardness is only one of the Risks associated with over -the -counter drugs : Even taking the recommended dose of a common drug like acetaminophen can cause adverse effects or interact with the drugs you already take. And over -the -counter drugs can even have interactions with other over -the -counter medications. In addition, when people self-include with over-the-counter drugs, they can miss the deep cause of their discomfort, which can be serious. This is why pharmacists advise caution when taking over the over -the -counter medication. Read the rest to find out more out of five.

Read this then: Never take these 2 common over -the -counter drugs at the same time, experts warn .

Although laxatives are considered safe to treat occasional constipation, this over -the -counter medication can cause problems in one way. "If it is taken badly longer than the prescribed treatment period, [laxatives] can cause complications, such as weight loss and possible damage to the intestines structures responsible for digestion and absorption of nutrients, "explains CACHEMIRA Govind , Pharmd, a pharmacist For the Farr Institute.

Laxatives can also interact with other drugs , prevents the Mayo clinic, and can be dangerous "if constipation is caused by a serious illness, such as intestinal appendicitis or obstruction".

You may not think of bursting tylenol (a popular acetaminophen) to relieve pain or lower the fever. But it is not because it is a well -known over -the -counter medication, you should not be cautious.

"If you often take [acetaminophen], and with alcohol, it could cause liver damage," said Govind. According to Harvard Health, it is because "the body breaks down most of the acetaminophen in normal dose and eliminates it in the urine. But part of the drug is converted into a toxic by-product for the liver. "When taken excessively at a time or over a period of time, they explain, which can be added to a toxic load that your body cannot manage. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are another type of pain reliever and fever reducer that can have dangerous effects when taken too often.

"Nanity non -aspirin can increase the chances of Heart crisis or stroke , "warns the Cleveland Clinic." This risk may be higher if you have heart disease or risk factors (for example, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes) for heart disease. "The site adds that the risk" can occur at the start of treatment and can increase with longer use. ""

Aspirin has been known for a long time not only as a way to fight pain and fever, but as a potential tool to manage cardiovascular problems. But Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns: "Each prescription and over -the -counter medicine has Advantages and risks - Even such a common and familiar medicine as aspirin. The use of aspirin can cause Serious side effects , like bleeding from the stomach, bleeding in the brain and renal failure. ""

"We have since learned that at a time when we control hypertension and cholesterol better for primary prevention, aspirin can be Only not very beneficial With an increased risk of bleeding, especially for the elderly, " Boback Ziaeian , MD, PHD told UCLA Health - although the site adds that "this new advice only applies to primary prevention in people without known cardiovascular disease".

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Because they are so easy to access, many people do not realize that taking food supplements can be dangerous. But according to a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine "About 23,000 visits to emergency services in the United States each year are awarded to undesirable events linked to food supplements. ""

"Food supplements can often interact with the prescription drugs you take," warns Govind. "For example, the must of St John is commonly sold as a" natural "remedy For many conditions like depression, menopause symptoms , etc., will interact with drugs such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants, etc. ""

If you have any questions or concerns about over -the -counter medicines you use, check with your local pharmacist or primary care provider.