The Over-The-Counter Drug Reactions You Should Watch Out For

[tankdude]

Been a while, but found this and thought it really needed to be shared.  Remember - Over the Counter (OTC) doesn't mean safe.

 

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/the-over-the-counter-drug-reactions-you-should-watch-out-for/ar-AAq3eFA?ocid=ientp

 

Here is the abbreviated version-

 

Ibuprofen

Brand names: Advil; Motrin.
What it’s used to treat: Pain; fever.
Possible side effects: Stomach pain/upset; stomach bleeding; nausea; increased risk of heartattack, heart failure and stroke; gas or bloating; constipation; dizziness; nervousness; ringing in the ears.
The FDA also warns that ibuprofen, a NSAID drug, can cause an allergic reaction, especiallyin people allergic to aspirin. Side effects can include hives, facial swelling, shock, asthma, skin reddening, rashes and blistering.

 

Naproxen Sodium

Brand name: Aleve.
What it’s used to treat: Minor aches and pains.
Possible side effects:Abdominal pain; dizziness; headache; heartburn; nausea; lightheadedness.
Naproxen sodium, like ibuprofen, is a NSAID and can cause the same allergic reactionsnoted above.

Acetaminophen

Brand name: Tylenol.
What it’s used to treat: Pain; fever.
Possible side effects: Allergic reactions can include: red, peeling or blistering skin; rash;hives; itching; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs;hoarseness; difficulty breathing or swallowing. Liver damage can also occur if too much ofthe drug is consumed.
According to the FDA, acetaminophen can also cause severe skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. Though these reactions are rare, they can be fatal, so it’s important to stop taking the drug and seek medical care immediately if a skin reaction develops.

 

Aspirin

Brand name: Bayer Aspirin.
What it’s used to treat: Pain; fever; inflammation. It is also sometimes prescribed or taken as a treatment or preventive therapy for heart attacks, strokes and chest pain.
Potential side effects:Upset stomach; heartburn; drowsiness; mild headache. More serious side effects can include allergic reactions marked by hives; difficulty breathing; swelling in the face, tongue, throat or lips. If an allergic reaction or any of the following occur, call your doctor immediately: “Ringing in your ears, confusion, hallucinations, rapid breathing, seizure (convulsions); severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain; bloody or tarry stools; coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.”

 

Dextromethorphan

Brand names: Benylin; Delsym; Robitussin; Vicks Formula 44.

What it’s used to treat: Coughing.

Potential side effects: Dizziness; lightheadedness; drowsiness; nervousness; restlessness; nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; rash; blurred vision; confusion; difficulty urinating; slowed breathing.

 

Pseudoephedrine

 

Brand names: Sudafed; Advil Cold & Sinus.
What it’s used to treat: Common cold symptoms; congestion.
Potential side effects: Nervousness; dizziness; sleeplessness. Less common, but still possible, side effects: Difficult or painful urination; fast or pounding heartbeat; headache; increased sweating; nausea or vomiting; trembling; paleness; weakness. Rare side effects: Seizures; hallucination; irregular or slow heartbeat; shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
This drug cannot be combined with a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor, which includes certain drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease.

 

Diphenhydramine

 

Brand name: Benadryl.
What it’s used to treat: Allergies.
Potential side effects:Dry mouth, nose, and throat; drowsiness; dizziness; nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; constipation; chest congestion; headache; muscle weakness; excitement; nervousness.
More serious side effects include: Painful or difficult urination; vision problems.

 

Loratadine

 

Brand names: Alavert, Claritin, Dimetapp ND.
What it’s used to treat: Allergies.
Potential side effects:Headache; dry mouth; nosebleed; sore throat; mouth sores; insomnia;nervousness; weakness; stomach pain; diarrhea; red or itchy eyes. More serious side effects
include: Rash; hives; itching; swelling of the eyes, face, lips, throat, tongue, hands, arms, feet,ankles or lower legs; hoarseness; difficulty breathing or swallowing; wheezing.

Loperamide

 

Brand name: Imodium.
What it’s used to treat: Diarrhea.
Potential side effects: Dizziness; drowsiness; stomach pain, discomfort or swelling; constipation; fatigue. Call your doctor if you experience: rash; hives; itching; wheezing; difficulty breathing; fever; bloody stools; fainting; fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat; unresponsiveness.

Dimenhydrinate

Brand name: Dramamine.
What it’s used to treat: Motion sickness.
Potential side effects: Drowsiness; excitement; headache; dizziness; blurred vision; ringing inthe ears; dry mouth, nose or throat; poor coordination; fainting; nausea.