If you're someone who rushes towards the medicine cabinet as soon as you get a fever or a headache, then this article is for you.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) pain relievers are commonly used by people around the world. In India, paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen, diclofenac, and aspirin are some of the most common forms of painkillers, each with a different mechanism of action and target organs, said Dr Gaurangi Shah, Consultant-General Medicine, PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, she suggested that using these medications without supervision is not advisable. "Without proper knowledge, taking them without consulting a doctor may not provide relief and could potentially harm organs like the liver or kidneys," she shared. But if you still rely on OTC pain medications, here are a few things to consider:
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Understand Your Symptoms
Before resorting to OTC pain relievers, it is important to understand your symptoms and identify the underlying cause behind them.
For instance, symptoms like headaches or fatigue might indicate underlying issues, such as high blood pressure; hand pain could signal a heart problem; and shoulder pain might be linked to conditions like oesophageal cancer, said Dr Shah.
Therefore, properly identifying the nature of your symptoms allows you to choose the most suitable medication for targeted relief, the doctor advised.
Watch Out For Allergies
While pain relievers may seem harmless, taking them without the guidance of a doctor can be dangerous. It is important to know whether or not you're allergic to certain ingredients in the drugs so you do not experience any reactions. In certain cases, people may even experience severe reactions like anaphylactic shock, said Dr Shah. Common symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Low blood pressure
- Seizure
- Loss of consciousness
Pay Attention To Dosage
When it comes to medications, dosage is critically important. Without a proper prescription, it could be difficult to tell what the ideal amount of medication you should take is.
Dr Shah said, “Correct dosage based on factors like weight, age, and the condition being treated is vital. Too low a dose might not alleviate pain, while excessive doses could lead to complications.”
Note The Side Effects
OTC painkillers, while effective in alleviating pain, may have side effects that people need to be aware of. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, such as ulcers and gastritis.
Prolonged or excessive use of painkillers can potentially lead to liver or kidney damage, particularly with medications containing acetaminophen, as per Dr Shah.
Moreover, asthmatic patients taking ibuprofen might experience acute asthma attacks, she added.
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How Long Should You Use Painkillers?
Depending on the cause of the ailments, the duration of the painkillers is determined by the doctor. It is unsafe to make the decision to start or stop medications.
Dr Shah said, “Prolonged use without proper guidance can result in liver or kidney damage, especially among the elderly, who often use paracetamol for conditions like knee or back pain without medical oversight.”
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that both ibuprofen and acetaminophen (paracetamol) can cause kidney problems, but acetaminophen may be more concerning as it was linked to more cases overall. The study noted that the latter affected younger people more often and led to a faster onset of symptoms and higher death rates compared to ibuprofen.
Bottomline
While OTC pain relievers may seem extremely convenient for times when your fever or headache become unbearable, it is still important to consult a doctor before taking them. From dosage to side effects to allergic reactions, several factors need to be considered before taking painkillers. Long-term use, without the supervision of a doctor, can even lead to liver and kidney damage and cause irreversible complications in severe cases. Hence, consult a healthcare professional to use OTC pain relievers safely.