When we sick, either mild illness or severe illness, we often take drugs to relieve the symptoms. However, before choosing a medication, you should pay attention to the “signs.” Improper drug selection can have fatal effects. For example, when someone is feeling the symptoms of a certain disease, then he orders a drug labeled “K” at the pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. Then the pharmacy makes a mistake by giving it without seeing whether there is a doctor’s prescription or not. Drugs labeled “K” need doctor’s prescription; if not, misuse of the meds without doctor’s prescription may cause various side effects that are quite severe or even death. The drug formulated by a compound chemist must have a chemical compound we never know.
What are the tips for getting the right medicine?
1. Pay attention to the product name or so-called brand.
2. Pay attention to the active ingredients.
Active substances are contained in a drug to cures the disease.
3. Class.
It is a product category, such as cough medicine, anti-histamine (anti-allergic), anti-pyretic (lowering heat), antitussive (anti-cough), expectorant (helps expel phlegm), etc.
4. Warning.
Consider when to drink, or when to stop, when to go to the doctor and the side effects.
5. Rules of use or dosage.
Please pay close attention to the dosage, don’t reduce or increase it.
6. Additional ingredients.
Pay attention to ingredients added as binders, colorings, flavorings, or aromas.
7. Pay attention to the expiration date.
If you have stomach ulcers and have a headache at any time, choose drugs that contain paracetamol (acetaminophen), avoid those containing aspirin (because it can interfere with the stomach). Paracetamol can also be used for toothache, muscle aches, or minor aches or other moderate pain. Anti-pain medications are less effective in dealing with severe pain caused by kidney stones, gallstones, or cancer.
Don’t forget, pay close attention to medicines specifically for the consumption of children. Of course, the dose is different from adults. Read the label of the medicine packaging carefully. Do not try to increase the dose if you treat a seriously ill child.