Use pain relievers safely

pain-reliever...jpg

The use of painkillers should follow the instructions of doctors (illustrative photo)

Pain relievers

There are two groups of over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs are effective in relieving minor aches and pains such as headaches, fever, colds, flu, arthritis, toothaches, and menstrual cramps.

Common prescription pain relievers include opioids and non-opioid medications. Non-opioid pain relievers include ibuprofen and diclofenac, which are used to relieve moderate pain.

Use as directed

Pain relievers are safe and effective when used as directed. If used incorrectly, they can cause serious harm, even death. If the medicine comes with a measuring device, use it as directed.

Do not change the dose of your pain medication without consulting your doctor. Also, do not let anyone else take your medication.

Notes on some drugs

- With acetaminophen (paracetamol): Taking higher doses than recommended does not provide more pain relief and can be dangerous. Taking too much can damage the liver and lead to death. The risk of liver damage is increased in people who drink alcoholic beverages while taking medicines containing acetaminophen.

Be careful when giving acetaminophen to children. Infant drops may be more potent than regular children's medications. Read and follow the label directions each time you give your child a medicine. Be sure your child is given the correct dosage form for his or her age.

- With NSAIDs : taking too much can cause stomach bleeding. This risk increases in people over 60 years old, who are taking blood thinners, who are taking steroids, who have a history of stomach bleeding or ulcers, and/or who have other bleeding problems. Using NSAIDs can also harm the kidneys. This risk increases in people over 60 years old, who are taking diuretics, who have high blood pressure, heart disease, or who already have kidney disease.

- Using opioids can cause drowsiness. Do not operate machinery or drive while taking this medication, especially when you first start taking it.

Understanding the active ingredients

One problem with OTC pain relievers is that products sold for different uses may have the same active ingredient. A cold and cough remedy may have the same active ingredient as a headache remedy or a prescription pain reliever.

To minimize the risk of overdose, avoid taking more than one medicine with the same active ingredient at the same time. See the list of active ingredients on the product packaging or in the enclosed package insert.

Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare professional if you have questions about nonprescription medicines, especially before taking them in combination with dietary supplements, or other nonprescription or prescription medicines.

Safe opioid use

- Notify health care professionals of any history of drug abuse. All patients treated with opioids for pain should be closely monitored by health care professionals for signs of drug abuse or addiction and to determine when the patient no longer needs the medication.

- Follow the directions for use carefully. Opioids have significant side effects, including drowsiness, constipation, and impaired breathing that vary depending on the dose. Taking too much can cause severe respiratory depression or death. Do not chew or break the pill. This can change the rate at which the drug is absorbed and lead to overdose or death.

- Do not combine opioids with alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines. All of these substances slow breathing, and their combined effects can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression.

PV (synthesis)

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/su-dung-thuoc-giam-dau-an-toan-414412.html