Drugs that can be purchased directly from pharmacies without the prescription of a doctor are called 'non-prescription drugs'. Over-the-counter drugs are also known as 'Over The Counter' (Occupy Buying Over the Counter), referred to as OTC. Self-medication, Self-care mainly involves common colds, coughs, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, stomachaches, fever, and other common diseases. After these symptoms appear, how should you choose the medicine? Here are four principles to keep in mind.
1. Combine past experience. Everyone eats whole grains, it is inevitable that minor illnesses and minor calamities, Everyday life, everyone must accumulate experience in medication. Take colds as an example. There are many kinds of OTCs for colds on the market, but they must combine their own experiences or symptoms. Selection, such as severe nasal congestion, can choose to include 'pseudoephedrine' cold medicine, such as sneezing, heavy tears, you can choose to include 'chlorpheniramine' cold medicine, if the fever or sore heavier, you can choose to include Acetaminophen's cold medicine.
2. Do not believe in advertising. Nowadays all kinds of pharmaceutical advertisements are overwhelming, so that everyone can know more about drugs, but taking medicine involves health and life. They should increase their understanding of the disease and their own situation. They can't blindly listen to advertisements and choose drugs. Can not be determined, it is best to communicate with a doctor or pharmacist before buying.
3. Refer to the pharmacy staff for advice. Pharmacies are equipped with pharmacy technicians, some pharmacies, and sitting doctors. When you are not sure which medicine to buy, you can consult pharmacy staff.
4. For children, gestational breastfeeding women and other special groups, you should consult a physician or pharmacist before taking medications on your own, so as not to cause irreversible damage.
While providing convenience for non-prescription drugs, there are also certain safety risks. Medication is no small matter, and safe self-medication also needs to pay attention to the following aspects:
1. Have a certain medical knowledge, can easily determine their own condition. Everyone should pay attention to the accumulation of health knowledge, so that they can have a preliminary judgment of the severity of their own condition.
2. Non-prescription drugs are generally limited to minor injuries, rather than serious illnesses. If the disease starts suddenly, or the condition is serious, you should go to the hospital in time.
3. Recognize the OTC logo in the upper right corner of the drug packaging. Do not purchase prescription drugs without an OTC logo.
4. Read the drug instruction manual, pay special attention to the usage and dosage, contraindications, and adverse reactions. In strict accordance with the instructions for drug use, not excessive, over-indicated drug use, understand the common side effects of drugs, pay attention to drug interactions.
5. After taking the medicine for 3 to 7 days, if the symptoms are not relieved or even worsened, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid delays in the condition.
