Aug 27, 2001 11:06 AM
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It seems that over the counter cures for everything from headaches to indigestion, are becoming more available then ever before. Our local drugstore now carries about 50 different cures for allergies and a dozen different brands of vitamin C. How does the average consumer choose which brand, which remedy, or which newly hyped cure-all is best for their malady of the moment?
That is not an easy question to answer. Advertising furthers the idea that there is a perfect remedy for every symptom. The problem is that most people haven't the faintest idea about what might work best for their health concern. One of the biggest mistakes that is often made is over medicating. Should you really buy a cold remedy that treats 20 different symptoms? Do you actually have a stuffy AND runny nose? It is important to understand which symptom you wish to treat before buying a medicine that may actually hinder improvement.
So how does the average person educate himself enough to survive a trip to the local pharmacy?
Know Your Symptoms
Before you even leave the house, ask yourself what exactly you wish to alleviate. If it's a simple package of bandages that you need, don't be overwhelmed by the rows of choices now carried at many drugstores. You may not need more expensive glow-in-the dark bandaids! If you have a sore throat, look for a medicine that caters to just sore throats. As simple as it sounds, the sheer amount of product choices available on the market these days, can often confuse rather than help.
Read the labels
Reading labels is a must when purchasing over the counter medicines! A common mistake might be purchasing a cold remedy and a box of Tylenol, thinking that you need both. If the cold remedy contains acetominophen and you take a dose of Tylenol with it, you are actually taking a double dose. Be careful!
Another benefit of reading labels is that you can often find a generic brand of medicine that has the exact same ingredients as the top selling name brand. Once you throw that fancy, more expensive package out, you'll have the same medicine with the less expensive generic brand. If you're in doubt about whether a generic brand can compare to a more well known brand, ask the pharmacist.
Don't Overdose!
Pay close attention to the recommended dose of each and every medication that you intend to ingest! Taking more than you should will NOT cure you faster! It is a dangerous misconception that sends people to the hospital each year. If a certain medication is not alleviating your symptoms, call your doctor. You may need something more potent than what's available without a perscription.
Children should be given only the dosages recommended for their body weight. Many labels will offer dosages listed for a certain age group. Some clearly offer guidelines that warn against giving a medication to any child under a certain age. Aside from the recommended age doses, you should know your child's body weight. Even though a label may say that a 6 year old should take a teaspoon of something, your 6 year old may only weigh as much as the recommended dose for a 4 year old. Use good judgement, and if in doubt, ask the pharmacist or call your doctor.
Stick With What Works for You
Don't be tempted by the latest brand on the market just because you're curious. If a certain medication has worked for you in the past, stick with it. Some of the most common medications such as acetominophen, are just as effective as they were 5 years ago. If you know what you need, it should be an easy trip to the drugstore.
One final consideration is that some over the counter medications may interfere with certain perscribed medicines. Read the labels and do NOT take anything that clearly warns against taking it if you have a certain condition or take certain medications regularly. This is dangerous. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking ANY kind of medication.
With so many options available on the market to cure ourselves without a visit to the doctor, it makes sense to educate ourselves before medicating.
