In daily life, a cold is a common ailment, and cold medicine is a medicine that we use regularly. However, for the use of certain cold medicines, doctors remind us to be cautious. Recently, it has been reported that there are two types of cold medicines that cannot be eaten indiscriminately, and in severe cases, they can lead to "liver damage", and some foreign countries have banned their use. This article will take a closer look at this issue.
1. The role and types of cold medicines
The main effect of cold medicine is to relieve cold symptoms such as headache, cough, nasal congestion, etc. There are many types of cold medicines available in the market, including Chinese patent medicines and Western medicines. In terms of Western medicine, there is a distinction between prescription and over-the-counter drugs. For different types of colds, doctors will recommend different medications.
2. The reason why the 2nd type of cold medicine cannot be eaten indiscriminately
Recently, some doctors have pointed out that there are 2 types of cold medicines that pose a serious risk of liver damage, namely acetaminophen and roxithromycin.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a widely used antipyretic analgesic that is effective in relieving cold symptoms. However, excessive or inappropriate use of acetaminophen may cause liver damage. In some countries, the use of acetaminophen has been restricted or listed as a prescription drug.
Roxithromycin
Roxithromycin is an antibiotic that is commonly used for bacterial infections. However, in recent years, it has been found that roxithromycin may cause severe liver damage in specific situations. These conditions include high-dose use, long-term use, and use in certain populations (e.g., children, the elderly, pregnant women, etc.).
3. How to avoid liver damage
To avoid liver damage, doctors recommend paying attention to the following when using cold medicines:
Follow your doctor's advice: Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before using cold medicine. They can recommend the right medication and dosage for you based on your specific situation and symptoms.
Don't overdose: Don't overdose on any cold medicine. If you need to use more than one medication, make sure that the dosage of each is as directed.
Be aware of drug interactions: When using cold medicines, tell your doctor or pharmacist about other medications you're taking. There may be interactions between some drugs that cause adverse reactions or ***
Avoid long-term use: Cold medicines are usually a short-term** method used to relieve cold symptoms. If symptoms persist for a long time or are reversed, a doctor should be consulted about whether medication or regimens need to be adjusted.
Watch for signs of abnormal liver function: During the use of cold medicine, keep an eye out for changes and reactions in your body. If any signs of abnormal liver function such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, etc., one should immediately stop using the drug and consult a doctor.
Fourth, some foreign countries have banned related drugsIn some countries, the use of acetaminophen and roxithromycin has been banned or restricted for the reasons mentioned above. For example, in the United Kingdom and Australia, the use of roxithromycin in children and pregnant women has been banned;In the United States and Canada, acetaminophen is also listed as a prescription drug and limits its use in over-the-counter medications. These measures are designed to protect the public from unnecessary risk of liver damage.
5. Summary
For colds, we should follow the doctor's advice and guidance. When using cold medicines, it is necessary to understand the ingredients, effects and *** of the medicine and use the medicine strictly according to the doctor's instructions. If any discomfort or concerns arise during the use of cold medicine, the use of the medicine should be stopped immediately and the advice of a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted. At the same time, we should also pay attention to the safety and efficacy of medicines, and some cold medicines that pose a risk of serious liver damage should be avoided to ensure our health and safety.