Apanemia Health Centre

Knowing them helps to make good use of them.

One of the most frequent questions posed by people who start drug treatment is how to make good use of their medicines. The question is completely valid, since the use of these sensitive products when it is inappropriate or improper, can be very dangerous to health.

It is therefore useful to know what are the main indications of drugs in order to learn to use them according to responsible self-medication, in the case of OTC products, or to follow the advice of the foot of the letter and report any problem in therapy.

Each drug has a number of indications that detail what the disease or relieve symptoms, the recommended dose for each age, the contents of the formula, the product presentation and, above all, two parameters to be considered for treatment to a good end: side effects and contraindications.

The side effect refers to the action that has a drug in addition to its healing qualities, that is not wanted or has a negative character. A familiar example is given to us as aspirin, which are designed to help eliminate pain, fever and inflammation, but generates too much stomach upset.

For its part, contraindications refer to all situations where it is advisable that the patient does not consume a drug, increasing the risk of adverse sequelae. Indeed, health status, medical history and family history may influence the effectiveness and appropriateness of treatment.

Health Information

Having explained this, we take a tour of the main groups of drugs and indications of use.

Analgesics. They are used to reduce inflammation, lower fever (high temperature) and musculoskeletal pain (bones, joints, muscles) and visceral (organ). The most common substances as aspirin, paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen and naproxen, although some include stronger chemicals derived from opium (morphine and codeine).

Side effects. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen can cause various gastrointestinal disorders, primarily because it alters the balance of digestive acids and favor the mucous membrane (tissue that lines the inside of the digestive tract).

- Gastric irritation or stomach. The rise in the level of gastric juices irritate the inside of this body.
- Intestinal bleeding. internal bleeding caused by injuries resulting from increased acidity.
- Vomiting, nausea. A desire to return the stomach.
- Diarrhea. Frequent bowel movements, liquid consistency.
- Burning. Heartburn or reflux, due to increased acidity.
- Appetite. Lack of appetite.
- Constipation. Constipation, difficulty with bowel movements.
- Abdominal pain. It is widespread unease in the belly, reflecting the above problems.
- Rash, urticaria, rash. Appearance of bumps on the skin occurs rarely.
- Poor clotting. When used continuously, aspirin alters the ability of blood to stop bleeding.

With regard to opiates, which have the characteristic of decreasing neuronal activity, include:

Addiction. These substances produce feelings of wellbeing, so prolonged use can cause the patient to psychologically or physically dependent on the substance.
Withdrawal syndrome. Linked to the above and refers to discomfort such as nervousness and anxiety, which are manifestations of the body by the lack of medicine.
Constipation. It is a particular problem of codeine, and because this substance decreases the mobility of the intestine.

Contraindications. In general terms are:

- Pregnancy. All these substances cross the placenta to the fetus, which can affect their growth.
- Lactation. It is very likely that these drugs reach the breast milk and therefore the baby while feeding.
- Gastritis and gastric ulcer. Respectively, influence the inflammation of the stomach and lesions in the internal wall. They are characterized by excess acidity, so that the use of some analgesics is very unfavorable.
- Liver disease. We have found that many painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, may generate, in high doses or prolonged use, liver problems. It is better not to consume if hepatitis (inflammation of that organ)
- Viral diseases. Aspirin is contraindicated in children under age 15 suffering from chickenpox, rubella, influenza and other diseases caused by microorganisms such as it has the risk of Reye syndrome, which affects the liver and brain.
- Blood disorders. people with blood clotting problems or to be undergoing surgery should consult with a doctor to see if they take aspirin.
- Addictive behavior. Patients who drink too much alcohol or smoking should be evaluated before using drugs with morphine or codeine.

credit to: Israel Cortes

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