Safety of Over-the-counter Medications
We all tend to think of over-the-counter medications as being safe. After all, regulatory agencies have allowed them to be over the counter. So, they couldn’t really be all that bad, could they?
Well, it turns out that they can—if you don’t take them properly. Some people have a tendency to think that they are safe, and that therefore, it is ok to take a few more painkillers than are recommended on the label. Some people have never actually read the label. (Have you?) And some people don’t realize that they are, in effect, getting a double dose of some medications, because one of the over-the- counter analgesics they are taking may also be a component of one of the prescription medications they are taking.
It’s important to read all labels and to avoid taking excessive amounts of over-the-counter medications. Follow the recommended amounts on the label unless your physician has specifically recommended something different. Too much anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin, naproxen sodium, or ibuprofen, can result in stomach irritation like gastritis, cause an ulcer, or promote gastrointestinal bleeding.
Be especially careful not to take too much acetaminophen (paracetamol). Doing so can be damaging to the liver. This damage can be magnified if you drink alcohol, even moderately. Liver damage can occur even in only 24 hours if 8 extra-strength acetaminophen caplets are combined with alcohol. At this time, more than half of all liver transplants are necessary because of the medical use of acetaminophen. Alcohol also increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding if combined with anti-inflammatory medications. Long-term overuse of some of these medications can also contribute to kidney damage.
Be safe—read the label, and don’t take medication in excess of the recommended amounts. Don’t combine acetaminophen, paracetamol, naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, ketoprofen or other anti- inflammatory medications with alcohol. Do remember that using over-the-counter medications more than three days a week can lead to medication overuse headache. And be aware that many prescription medications contain acetaminophen (paracetamol).
If your headaches are not responding to over-the- counter pain medication, see a doctor—more specific headache management will not only help your head, it may protect your liver, stomach and kidneys as well.
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