These 5 Common Medicines Can Carry Hidden Risks, Expert Warns

United States News News

These 5 Common Medicines Can Carry Hidden Risks, Expert Warns
United States Latest News,United States Headlines
  • 📰 ScienceAlert
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 111 sec. here
  • 3 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 48%
  • Publisher: 68%

The Best in Science News and Amazing Breakthroughs

Many people assume that medicines sold over the counter are inherently safe. After all, if you can buy something in a supermarket or high street pharmacy, how dangerous can it really be?carry a real risk of dependence, misuse, or harm when taken in higher than recommended doses, for longer than needed, or for the wrong reasons.

is an opioid medicine used to treat mild to moderate pain and, in some formulations, to suppress coughing. Over the counter, it is usually combined with either ibuprofen or paracetamol. Once swallowed, the body converts codeine into morphine, which produces its pain-relieving effects.include drowsiness, constipation, nausea, and dizziness. At higher doses, codeine can slow breathing and impair coordination. Some people are particularly vulnerable.carry a genetic variant that causes them to convert codeine into morphine much faster than usual. This trait is morein people of North African, Middle Eastern, and Oceanian backgrounds and can lead to dangerous side effects even at standard doses.With repeated use, the body can also become tolerant to codeine, meaning the same dose no longer provides the same relief. This process, known as, occurs as the brain's opioid receptors adapt to the drug. People may then increase their dose, raising the risk of physical dependence. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, sweating, and sleep problems.Decongestants are available as tablets containing pseudoephedrine or as nasal sprays and drops such as xylometazoline and oxymetazoline. Both work by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and mucus.methamphetaminein"purple drank", a mixture of cough syrup that contains promethazine and soft drinks. This combination can cause extreme sedation, slowed breathing, and serious harm.trigger the gut muscles to move stool along. They are often misused by people with eating disorders, athletes in weight-restricted sports, or those who believe daily bowel movements are essential. In reality,can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and long-term damage to the gut, with serious effects on the heart and kidneys in severe cases. In 2020, the MHRA introduced newThe common thread linking these medicines is not that they are inherently dangerous, but that their risks are often underestimated. Over-the-counter availability can create asuggests misuse persists. Over-the-counter does not always mean risk-free, and better awareness could help keep these medicines useful rather than harmful.

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

ScienceAlert /  🏆 63. in US

 

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Trump, Schumer find rare common ground on releasing UFO filesTrump, Schumer find rare common ground on releasing UFO filesFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »

Transportation security administration on Common Dreams's siteTransportation security administration on Common Dreams's siteCommon Dreams has been providing breaking news & views for the progressive community since 1997. We are independent, non-profit, advertising-free and 100% reader supported. Our Mission: To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good.
Read more »

Myopia Is Surging, And One Common Habit Could Be Driving ItMyopia Is Surging, And One Common Habit Could Be Driving ItThe Best in Science News and Amazing Breakthroughs
Read more »

Black History Month celebrated at Millcreek Common with art, performancesBlack History Month celebrated at Millcreek Common with art, performancesCLICK HERE to reach out to Darienne with any story ideas or news tips.
Read more »

Hope for the Most Common Form of Dementia in Younger PeopleHope for the Most Common Form of Dementia in Younger PeopleResearchers look for treatments to a form of dementia that changes a person’s behavior and personality.
Read more »

Living at high altitudes could reduce risk of common disease, study suggestsLiving at high altitudes could reduce risk of common disease, study suggestsFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »



Render Time: 2026-04-01 18:28:25