5 simple rules to keep in mind before taking antibiotics from a pharmacy

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are those that can be bought without a prescription and are used for treating conditions like common cold and cough, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, etc.

They are easily available in pharmacies, online retailers, convenience stores, etc., and are safe for consumption if the directions printed on the back are followed.

However, for certain groups of people, like pregnant women, children, and those with co-morbidities like diabetes and hypertension.

There are certain safety rules that everyone should follow while taking OTC drugs, and they are:

For starters, always read the label on the medicine. Make note of the active ingredients, expiry date, caution note, direction or instructions of how and when to take the drug, and its strength.

Sometimes these medicines may carry a package insert on the possible side effects, details on how the drug interacts with other medicines that may be regularly consumed, and the method of storage. It is also important to ensure that the packaging is intact and not tampered with.

Do not try to self-medicate with OTC drugs for anything more than a simple Urinary Tract Infection, a mild respiratory infection, or a minor skin infection. Be overly cautious and seek medical help if you already have a chronically immunosuppressed condition, have diabetes, Cancer, on chemotherapy, or have had hospitalization in the last three months. A medical professional will assess the need for the antibiotics and make an informed decision on the right course of antibiotic, depending on the source of infection, ascertain the route (oral, topical, or injectable), and educate you on the possible side effects and interactions with food & other drugs.

Limit the use of OTC medicines and only take them when absolutely necessary. Antibiotics like Azithromycin and Doxycycline, the two most abused drugs in this category, are consumed by a majority of the Indian population to treat conditions like colds and coughs. However, colds and coughs are usually caused by a viral infection that cannot be cured by antibiotics.

Using antibiotics incorrectly can make them less effective and, in some cases, completely ineffective. Moreover, anything that the body receives (without an indication) would lead to side effects like alteration of gut microbiome, gastro-intestinal upset, etc.

Always inform your physician if you are taking any OTC medication, as these drugs might interact with your prescription medication and cause adverse events. The doctor will also be able to ascertain if the OTC medication you have taken might be bad for your health because of any underlying condition. For example, a very common painkiller like Diclofenac, which comes in the category of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), may entail the risk of renal failure in a patient whose kidney function is not optimal.

Remember to seek professional medical help when recovery does not take place after a short course of OTC antibiotics, as these are less potent as compared to the prescribed antibiotics. In such instances, continuing with treatment will not help and can lead to antibiotic resistance.