Quality
tends to cost money, but the most expensive is not always
the best or most appropriate. The same applies with medicines.
The same remedy is often on sale under different brand names.
The effect is the same yet prices can differ enormously.
FOR THIS REASON YOUR DOCTOR MAY PRESCRIBE A 'TYPE' OF
MEDICINE RATHER THAN A PARTICULAR 'BRAND'.
A medicine
can help to fight disease and ease symptoms of illness but
at the same time it may also have unwanted side-effects.
So only take medicines when it is really necessary or when
advised by a GP. However this must be balanced by the symptoms
of the disease.
Some
medicines cannot be mixed. Certain combinations often cause
unpleasant or dangerous reactions. So it is important to
tell your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you are
already taking. Write their names in a notebook or on a
card. Keep these with you at all times. You can also get
advice from the pharmacist. If you want to use non-prescription
medicines in combination with others, ask the pharmacist
if doing so could be harmful.
Some
medicines are available without prescription. This does
not mean that they are harmless. You should not take unlimited
quantities of them. Even certain vitamins - A, B6, D, E
and K - harmful if you take too much. If you eat a healthy
and varied diet you do not need any extra vitamins or minerals.
Always
read the leaflet and follow the instructions. Keep to the
stated dose unless told to alter it by a doctor.
Because
of their lower body weight children do not need as much
medicine as adults. So be careful not to give them too much.
What
is good for you may be harmful for another. So never lend
or give medicines intended for you to someone else, even
if they have 'exactly' the same complaint as you.
Store
medicines in a dry, cool and dark place, which children
cannot get at.
You
should take old medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal.
If you just throw them away you can never be sure that other
people, perhaps children, will not get their hands on them.
Besides, they can pollute the environment.
Painkillers
and fever suppressing medicines
Painkillers
can give relief but they do have their drawbacks and side-effects.
Consult your doctor if you have to take painkillers for
longer than a week. Never take more than the stated maximum
dose.
There
are 3 kinds of basic painkiller:
1.
Anti-inflammatories such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
2.
Codeine and morphine-like drugs.
3.
Paracetamol.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
has a painkilling and fever suppressive effect. It is not
harmful to the stomach.
If
taken in overdose it can cause liver damage. It should not
be taken with alcohol.
Aspirin
(Acetylsalicylic acid) and related drugs
As
well as helping pain, the non-steroidal drugs also reduce
temperature and swelling of tissue. Asthma sufferers may
be allergic to these drugs and may notice shortness of breath.
People with an itchy skin rash would also be better off
not taking aspirin. If quantities taken are too great this
may cause stomach pain and nausea and even abdominal bleeding.
Conclusion:
In general it is better to use paracetamol or codeine remedies
for pain, keeping the aspirin like drugs for fever or inflamed
joints/tissues.
Painkillers
and fever suppressing medicines for children
There
are strong indications that, in the case of children with
fever, aspirin can cause an allergic reaction which may
lead to a life threatening brain disorder.
Do not give aspirin to children under 16 years of age.
Decongestant
and salt water nose drops in children and adults
Nose
drops are useful in clearing mucus from the nasal and sinus
passages. They will ease your symptoms but will not cure
the cause of the complaint. If you do want to use them,
do so preferably before going to sleep. Sleeping with a
blocked nose can be very troublesome. Ask your pharmacist
for advice if you decide to use them.
Neither
children nor adults should use decongestant nose drops or
sprays for longer than 5 days. Otherwise, following a brief
period of relief, the nasal membranes can swell even more
and the symptoms may get worse.
Older
children and adults can also rinse the nostrils with salt
water. Dissolve a level teaspoonful of salt in a glass of
tepid water. While holding one nostril closed, carefully
sniff in the water through the other and then blow it out.
Do this a couple of times and then if necessary do it with
the other nostril. Salt water nose drops are also available
for babies and young children, use sparingly in babies under
18 months.
Diarrhoea remedies
The
best thing is not to use any diarrhoea remedies. Diarrhoea
stops by itself when the intestines (bowels) are empty.
With diarrhoea the most important thing is to prevent dehydration
(when the body does not have enough fluid to work properly).
Diarrhoea remedies do not do this. They fight the symptoms
but not the cause or the risk of dehydration. Never give
children anti-diarrhoea remedies without medical advice
(see also section about diarrhoea).
Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Cough
remedies
Most
cough mixtures contain substances for soothing the throat
but once they are swallowed the effect tends to disappear.
You might just as well take a gulp of cool water or suck
a sweet. A doctor will only prescribe a real cough suppressant
(to stop coughing) in very serious cases and this is to
be taken before going to sleep as it tends to cause heavy
sedation (sleepiness). Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics
are very useful for fighting all kinds of bacterial infections.
A doctor
will only prescribe them when judged really necessary. Bacteria
can become resistant to antibiotics if they are used too
often. Never use antibiotics unless prescribed by a doctor.
Stick to the prescribed quantity and do not take antibiotics
for any more or less time than prescribed. Always complete
the course, otherwise the harmful bacteria may not be eliminated
completely and illness can recur.
It
is better in most cases to delay giving antibiotics, to
allow the body to build up its own resistance.
If
you are taking the contraceptive pill remember that using
antibiotics will make it less reliable. In that case you
should take additional precautions until your next period.
For example you and your partner can use condoms.
If
a doctor prescribes antibiotics and you have an allergy
then say so.
Antibiotics
are not effective against viral illnesses like colds and
influenza.
