Using Medicines Wisely
Medicines are important, but they may have risks of side effects that can even be worse than the original condition. Man has always searched for medicines that can cure body ills, and there are now tens of thousands of medicinal drugs available. They are playing important role in the treatment of disease and the relief of human suffering, both physical and mental. However, the one of the biggest problems in health care today is their misuse, whether they are bought over the counter, or provided on a doctor’s prescription.
The highly publicized abuse of drugs, ranging from marijuana to heroin, is actually only one aspect of a much wider problem. Some of the drugs that are commonly taken for medicinal reasons also carry addictive risks. Still more can have serious side effects, not necessarily associated with misuse. Because every drug interferes with the body’s working, it is important to follow the guidelines for their medical use.
The following are some simple rules for using medicines:
- Always follow the instructions to the letter. Don’t think that you know best
- Don’t leave medicines where children can reach them, and never call them “candy” when talking to children
- Never give a medicine that is specifically prescribed for yourself to somebody else
- If side effects occur, contact your doctor immediately
Among all of the drugs that are available over the drugstore, aspirin is the one with the largest sale. Although aspirin is a cheap and effective pain-killer and temperature reducer if taken accordingly, it causes more deaths by poisoning in British children than any other chemical in the late 1970’s. So like any other medicines, aspirin should also be treated with respect.
Aspirin is generally safe to use to relieve the many body pains and the symptoms of colds and flu. It is better to take aspirin after a meal but should never be used to treat stomach upsets and indigestion. It is always wise to ask your doctor or druggist whether it is safe to take aspirin if you are already taking other medicinal drugs.
Paracetamol is considered by many doctors to be preferable to aspirin because it is not only less irritating to the stomach but also has an unpleasant taste that makes it unattractive to children.