In real life, there are many misconceptions about taking medication, especially when taking medication without the guidance of a doctor. This can easily lead to medication errors, affecting the effectiveness of the medication and even causing negative effects. Therefore, it is important to use medication safely, effectively, and rationally. Let's take a look at some precautions for commonly used medications.
1. Compound Licorice Tablets: Do not take for more than 7 days
Compound Licorice Tablets should be purchased with a prescription. When taking them, do not self-medicate and follow the guidance of a pharmacist, taking the recommended dosage and duration of treatment. The prescription dosage should not exceed 3 days, and the continuous use should not exceed 7 days. Alternatively, other expectorant and cough suppressant medications can be used instead of Compound Licorice Tablets.
2. Cough Syrup: Taking more than 60 milliliters at once can cause excitement
Cough syrup, scientifically known as compound codeine phosphate solution, contains codeine and ephedrine. Taking more than 60 milliliters at once can cause excitement and restlessness in some people. Taking excessive amounts can produce a sense of euphoria and hallucinations, but normal use does not lead to addiction.
3. Nasal Drops: Long-term use can be harmful
When you have a cold, do not buy nasal drops from a pharmacy without professional advice. Long-term use of vasoconstrictor nasal drops can cause the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa to remain in a constricted state, leading to hypertrophy of the local mucosal tissue and resulting in medicamentous rhinitis. Prolonged use can also lead to dependence.
4. Asthma Inhalers: Proper usage is important
Inhalers are emergency medications and should not be used for long-term treatment when there are no symptoms, as it can lead to drug resistance. After inhaling the medication, rinse your mouth with water immediately. This not only helps to alleviate or avoid local adverse reactions, but also reduces systemic adverse reactions caused by the absorption of the medication from the oral pharynx.
5. Throat Lozenges: Taking too many can cause oral diseases
Taking throat lozenges when there is no inflammation in the mouth or when the cause of inflammation is unclear can inhibit and kill normal bacteria in the mouth, potentially leading to oral ulcers, tonsillitis, and other diseases. Many throat lozenges contain ingredients such as borneol, which has a cold nature. This can worsen spleen and stomach deficiency, leading to diarrhea, and may even cause miscarriage in pregnant women.
6. Adhesive Bandages: Improper use can cause infections
Adhesive bandages can only stop bleeding and do not provide complete antimicrobial and disinfection effects. Additionally, they have poor water absorption and breathability. Improper use can lead to wound infections.
Usage precautions:
1. Adhesive bandages are only suitable for small wounds that do not penetrate the muscle layer, have minimal bleeding, and do not require sutures.
2. Adhesive bandages should not be used for wounds that have heavy bleeding or are small but deep, animal bites, stings, wounds with heavy contamination or infection, or serious skin abrasions, burns, or scalds.
3. If the wound becomes wet or contaminated, it should be promptly replaced.
7. Cephalosporin Antibiotics: Avoid alcohol for 7 days after stopping medication
When taking cephalosporin antibiotics, avoid drinking alcohol. Within 7 days of stopping the medication, do not touch alcohol or consume beverages and foods containing ethanol, such as alcohol-filled chocolates, Huoxiang Zhengqi Water, or fermented vinegar. Otherwise, toxic reactions may occur.
8. Prokinetic Agents: Be cautious when using for stomach discomfort
For indigestion, there are organic and functional causes. Drugs that increase gastrointestinal motility are more effective for functional indigestion. However, for indigestion caused by organic diseases, a specific diagnosis is necessary. Therefore, using prokinetic agents for stomach discomfort may mask organic lesions and delay treatment.
9. Topical Corticosteroids: Do not misuse
Topical corticosteroids, including pastes, emulsions, oils, and ointments, should be used 1-2 times a day to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The larger the area of skin lesion, the lower the concentration of the medication should be. Steroid preparations should be avoided for large skin lesions. For long-term use, it is best to use the medication every other day.
10. Medicated Plasters: Misuse can harm the body
Each type of plaster has unique pharmacological effects and cannot be used interchangeably.
The following three situations require caution:
1. Do not use plasters on ulcers.
2. Do not immediately use plasters such as Yan Hu Suo Zhitong Gao (Corydalis Yanhusuo Plaster) or She Xiang Zhui Feng Gao (Musk Trauma-Relieving Plaster) for muscle contusions, joint or ligament sprains caused by exercise or labor.
3. Pregnant women should avoid using plasters containing ingredients such as musk, frankincense, safflower, myrrh, and peach kernel, as they may cause local irritation and lead to miscarriage.
11. Medications during Menstruation: Keep away from blood-activating drugs
Some medications should not be used or used with caution during menstruation.
These include: blood-activating Chinese herbal medicines that dilate blood vessels and accelerate blood flow; certain anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin, warfarin, and heparin; laxatives such as magnesium sulfate and sodium nitrate, which have strong cathartic effects and can cause reflex pelvic congestion, all of which can lead to increased menstrual flow; and hormone drugs, such as androgens, which can cause reduced or absent menstruation, and progesterone, which can cause irregular bleeding.
12. Analgesics: Distinguish symptoms and do not misuse
Different analgesics can cause gastric mucosal damage, kidney damage, and even cardiovascular diseases. Long-term indiscriminate use of analgesics can also lead to psychological dependence. If analgesics mask the symptoms of a condition, such as cancer, it may result in missing the best treatment time. For mild pain with a clear cause, if there is no improvement after 3 days of continuous medication, it is necessary to go to the hospital for examination.
13. Vitamins: Overdosing can turn them into "poisons"
Healthy individuals with regular eating habits generally do not need to supplement vitamins, and it is best not to take any single vitamin continuously for more than 5 days. Fat-soluble vitamins are excreted from the body more slowly, and excessive intake increases the risk of toxicity.
Excessive supplementation of vitamin A in infants and young children can cause symptoms such as vomiting and dry skin, and even increased intracranial pressure. Excessive intake of vitamin D can cause premature closure of the epiphysis in children, affecting bone development.
14. Amino Acids: Excessive intake increases the burden on the liver and kidneys
Amino acids are mainly used in clinical practice for patients with severe malnutrition and those who cannot supplement protein through diet or oral intake. However, if a person's normal diet can provide sufficient protein, there is no need for intravenous amino acid supplementation. Excessive intake of amino acids cannot be utilized by the body and the excess amino acids are broken down and excreted, which increases the burden on the liver and kidneys.
15. Calcium Supplements: Excessive intake can affect child development
Excessive and repeated calcium supplementation can affect a child's appetite, and may cause loss of appetite, constipation, bloating, and even kidney stones and bladder stones. High calcium intake can also affect the absorption of other elements such as iron, zinc, and magnesium. Therefore, calcium should be obtained primarily through diet, such as soy products, dairy products, and fish. Infants and young children with a normal diet do not need special calcium supplementation.
