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Be Cautious When Using OTC (Over The Counter) Drugs

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Be Cautious When Using OTC (Over The Counter) Drugs

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Do you take OTC drugs often without consulting a doctor? Learn about the detrimental effects these drugs on your health.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 22, 2014
Reviewed AtFebruary 28, 2024

Overview:

There are a number of patients just consuming the OTC drugs, whenever they wish without knowing the risks and long term effects involved with it.

For Example:

1. Paracetamol:

  • This drug is recommended for fever and raised temperature.
  • Actually, our body's protective mechanism has the ability to destroy the toxins and other infectious particles in the body.
  • Antipyretics like paracetamol (acetaminophen) need not be taken if temperature is mild high say (99-100 degree Fahrenheit).
  • Supportive measures like tepid sponging would be enough.
  • The dose should be appropriate according to the body weight (on an average 10 to15 mg/kg/dose) and the maximum advisable dose is 3-4 grams/day if temperature is persistently high above 101-102 degree Fahrenheit, under physician's opinion.
  • High dose of paracetamol has the ability to cause acute liver failure (even coma if left untreated) and long term (excessive) use can even lead to cirrhosis (liver disease).

2. Antitussives (cough suppressants):

  • Codeine containing oral suspensions, diphenhydramine containing syrups have the potential to cause CNS depression (Central Nervous System depression) and also has addiction liability.
  • It is preferable as a short term aid with appropriate frequency and dosing.
  • Do not use unknowingly other drugs containing the same ingredient concomitantly.
  • Keep these medicines out of reach of children.
  • Be cautious if you are suffering from any cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems and consult your physician before its use.

3. Anti-inflammatory agents and analgesics (pain killers):

  • Avoid frequent intake of NSAID's (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) like brufen, diclofenac tablets.
  • Limit for 2-3 days as it can disrupt the gastrointestinal protective mucous layer and cause ulcers when used long term, sometimes short term too.
  • When patients are on short term treatment with NSAID's usually antacids are prescribed to prevent gastric ulcer.
  • Newer generation NSAID's like Celecoxib can be preferred under physician's opinion which are relatively safe than the old ones.
  • NSAID's should be avoided in asthmatic patients and elderly patients.

Be aware of many such drugs like antidiarrheal (Loperamide), stimulant laxatives (like bisacodyl) etc., which are readily available in the pharmacy.

It is not advisable to consume regularly without getting a doctor's opinion which may result in other more dangerous effects than the actual one.

Conclusion:

It is advisable to use over the counter drugs judiciously as it has both advantages and disadvantages. It is not advisable to consume regularly without getting a doctor's opinion which may result in other more dangerous effects than the actual one.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What doctor does hair transplant?

The doctor who transfers hair follicles from one part of the body to a bald or thinning spot is called a hair transplant surgeon, and the procedure is called hair transplantation.

2.

How does a hair transplant surgeon perform hair transplantation?

In all types of hair transplantation, the surgeon will harvest hair follicles, most commonly from the back of the head. These hair follicles are then placed on a bald or thinning area of the scalp.

3.

How long does a hair transplant surgery usually last?

Depending on the area of hair loss, the number of hair follicles being transplanted, and the technique used, it takes anywhere between 2 to 8 hours.

4.

What are the commonly used techniques for hair transplantation?

The two main techniques used for hair transplantation by most hair transplant surgeons are:
- Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) - Here, a strip of scalp skin is cut from the back of the head, which is then cut into small sections and then implanted into the balding area.

- Follicular unit extraction (FUE) - In this technique, instead of cutting out a strip of scalp from the donor area, hair follicles are harvested with many tiny punch holes. These hair follicles are then implanted one by one.

5.

What are the advantages of getting a hair transplant?

It helps men with male pattern baldness, thinning hair in women, and burn and accident victims. As hair is harvested from the patient’s body, the cold and texture are the same.

6.

What are the disadvantages of getting a hair transplant?

It is not helpful for a woman with a wide hair loss area, for people who do not have enough hair in the donor area, in victims who have thick scars on the scalp, and if the hair loss is due to chemotherapy. And with every surgery, there are chances of bleeding, infection, swelling of the scalp, itching, scar formation, and numbness of the scalp.

7.

Are hair transplantation procedures painful?

You will not have pain during the procedure, as local anesthetic agents will be injected into the scalp to numb it. But after the surgery and until the incisions heal, you will have pain and swelling in the scalp.

8.

Which hair transplant technique is the best?

Both FUT and FUE are good techniques. Your surgeon will decide the type of technique depending on your condition, area or hair loss, and the density of hair on the donor site.

9.

Will hair transplantation leave a scar?

Yes, hair transplantation will leave a scar. The size and extent of the scar will depend on the technique used and other various factors. But, there are various procedures and techniques available to hide or remove these scars to an extent.

10.

Do hair transplants really look natural?

Yes, hair transplants do look natural. But it will depend on the technique used, your surgeon’s skills, how your body responds to the transplant, and the presence of any underlying health condition.

11.

How successful is hair transplantation?

The success rate depends on many factors like age, condition of the donor area, scar formation, and the presence of some health condition. Hair transplantation is more successful than topical and other over-the-counter hair growth products. Anywhere from 10 to 80 % of the transplanted hair will grow back in about 3 to 4 months.
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Dr. Narayanasamy Senduran
Dr. Narayanasamy Senduran

General Practitioner

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cough suppressantsover the counter drugsanti inflammatory medicationsparacetamoltepid sponging
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