shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Lifestyle News > Health And Fitness News > Article > Over the counter treatment without prescription maybe life threatening KGMU study

Over-the-counter treatment without prescription maybe life-threatening: KGMU study

Updated on: 22 September,2022 04:56 PM IST  |  Lucknow
IANS | Compiled by: Nascimento Pinto | nascimento.pinto@mid-day.com

People tend to take sedatives, analgesics, antacids and laxatives for various common problems without any prescription from a medical practitioner and that could often be dangerous for them

Over-the-counter treatment without prescription maybe life-threatening: KGMU study

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: istock

A new study by King George's Medical University (KGMU) has found that taking over-the-counter (OTC) treatment over a long period of time without timely intervention could cost people their life.  

People tend to take sedatives, analgesics, antacids and laxatives for various common problems without any prescription from a medical practitioner. They may give relief for the moment, but in the long term, these drugs cause serious adverse drug reactions (ADR) and allergies, ulcers, tumours and infection. Some patients also suffer from instant drug reactions.


According to experts of pharmacovigilance at KGMU, the consumption of antibiotics used to treat infection, and nimesulide for pain, often creates complications and proves hazardous.


The most common antibiotics that are misused are Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Augmentin, Ornidazole, Norfloxacin, Levofloxacin, Metronidazole, Ofloxacin, Amoxicillin, and Doxycycline. They should not be given without prescription.


Head, pharmacology department, KGMU, Prof A.K. Sachan said, "Patients often do not know about the contra-indications, dosages, interactions, warnings and precautions regarding the over the counter (OTC) drugs and get into trouble."

A faculty member at dermatology department, KGMU, Dr Swastika Suvirya, said, "I often see patients with serious implications of antibiotic resistance, skin problems, hypersensitivity and allergy because of overdose and indiscriminate use of common pain-relieving medicines, antibiotics and sedatives. Hence, patients should try to get medicine after consultation, and in case of emergency, medicines should be used after reading precautions. "

Also Read: Blood clot risk remains for year after Covid-19 in those who aren't hospitalised: Study

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK