Here are some adverse effects of commonly used prescription medicines

It is important to follow the prescribed therapeutic doses of medications as prescribed by professionals. However, some drugs have side-effects.

Here are the commonly used medicines, even at usual therapeutic doses, that can have adverse effects on the human body.

While some medications may cause allergies, there are also non-allergic effects that we should be aware of. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Neurologist at Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad provided a list of such effects associated with a few commonly used medications:

Adverse effects of commonly used medicines (at their usual therapeutic doses)

1. Every medicine has adverse effects, especially if taken in higher doses. Some drugs can cause allergic reactions at the usual dose too. Here I describe non-allergic side effects of a few medicines.

— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) June 2, 2023

1. Metformin: Regular use of Metformin, a drug prescribed for diabetes, can lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency.
2. Hormonal Pills (OCPs): Women using hormonal pills may experience headaches and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, which refers to blood clotting in the veins of the brain.
3. Levofloxacin and similar antibiotics: Levofloxacin and other similar antibiotics can cause confusion, disorientation, and seizures, particularly in individuals aged 60 and above.
4. Anti-vomiting and anti-psychotic drugs: The use of certain anti-vomiting drugs, such as Levosulpiride, and anti-psychotic drugs can result in Parkinsonism, a condition characterised by symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Levosulpiride is often added to anti-acidity medications and can be identified by the letter “L” in drug names like Pantocid-L and Razo-L.
5. Inhalers (Bronchodilators): Bronchodilators like Salbutamol, commonly used for asthma, may cause tremors or shaking of the hands.
6. Diuretics: Diuretics, identified by the letter “H” in drug names like Telma-H and Olmezest-H, can lead to low blood sodium levels, causing weakness, confusion, and in severe cases, unconsciousness.
7. Blood thinners and anticoagulants: Medications like aspirin, clopidogrel, and other blood thinners can result in reddish patches on the skin, blood in urine, and gum bleeding.
8. Amlodipine: Amlodipine, a medication used to lower blood pressure, may cause swelling of the feet and legs, a condition known as edema.

(This is to spread awareness rather than to induce fear. By being aware of these adverse effects, individuals can identify them early and seek prompt treatment).