There are 5 common drugs that are not recommended for long-term use, but many people don’t know

In the medication consultations Huazi encountered, there were two extreme phenomena. Some people were afraid of taking medicines, worried that adverse reactions would cause harm to the body; while others took medicines out of habit, regardless of whether they really needed them.

In fact, for the elderly with chronic diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, taking medication regularly is the key to controlling chronic diseases. The adverse reactions of drugs are far less than the damage caused by the disease to the body. However, there are five commonly used drugs that have health risks when taken for a long time and need to be carefully paid attention to.

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Commonly used drugs include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, diclofenac and other drugs, which can be used for antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic. These drugs can increase the pain threshold of the human body and make people feel more comfortable. However, when these drugs are used for a long time and in large doses, they will cause damage to the liver, kidneys and digestive system, and cause adverse reactions such as liver necrosis, renal failure and gastric bleeding.

Generally speaking, such drugs should not be taken for more than 3 consecutive days when used to reduce fever, and for more than 5 days when used for pain relief. However, aspirin can be used for a long time to prevent thrombotic diseases, but it should be used in small doses (75mg~150mg per day) and should not be used in excess.

2. Drugs containing licorice

Licorice is sweet and mild in nature, with low toxicity. It is contained in many medicines. Some people use licorice to soak in water or make soup, but licorice is not a medicine suitable for long-term use. Licorice can play a role similar to weak glucocorticoids. Long-term use can cause increased aldosterone, water and sodium retention, increased potassium ion excretion, and increased blood pressure.

People with high blood pressure, heart failure, renal insufficiency and hypokalemia are not suitable for long-term use of licorice. Licorice also has an inhibitory effect on male function and may cause dysfunction.

3. Drugs that inhibit gastric acid

Many elderly people have problems with acid reflux and peptic ulcers, so drugs that inhibit gastric acid secretion are also commonly used. They are mainly divided into two categories: one is "prazoles", such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, etc.; the other is "tidines", such as cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, etc., which can inhibit gastric acid secretion.

Long-term use of drugs that inhibit gastric acid can cause indigestion, reduce the absorption of elements such as iron and calcium, and may cause anemia and osteoporosis. Gastric acid-inhibiting drugs are generally used for 4 to 8 weeks, and longer is not recommended. However, if you want to prevent digestive tract damage caused by long-term use of aspirin, you can take it for up to 6 months.

Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids include dexamethasone, prednisone, methylprednisolone and other drugs. These drugs have very strong anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-toxic effects. After taking the medicine, people will feel a false sense of "comfort".

However, long-term and high-dose use of glucocorticoids can cause Cushing's syndrome, which can cause fat metabolism disorders in the body, and lead to moon face, buffalo hump, acne, gastrointestinal ulcers, femoral head necrosis, hypertension, diabetes, mental disorders, immunosuppression and other adverse reactions.

However, glucocorticoids can be used locally and safely for a long time, such as aerosols for treating asthma and nasal sprays for treating rhinitis. For some special diseases such as rheumatism or autoimmune diseases, glucocorticoids can only be used long-term under the guidance of a doctor.

5. Short-acting antihypertensive drugs

To treat high blood pressure, you need to take medication regularly, but long-acting antihypertensive drugs should be preferred. Some people take short-acting antihypertensive drugs that require multiple doses a day, which can cause large fluctuations in blood pressure, which is not only not conducive to controlling blood pressure, but also easily induces cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents.

Usually, antihypertensive drugs that only need to be taken 1 to 2 times a day are long-acting antihypertensive drugs with long-lasting and stable effects, and are better at controlling nocturnal hypertension and morning peak blood pressure. Short-acting antihypertensive drugs that need to be taken more than 3 times a day are not recommended for daily use. Short-acting antihypertensive drugs are generally only used for emergency blood pressure reduction under medical supervision.

In summary, drug therapy is a "double-edged sword". While exerting its pharmacological effects, it also carries the risk of adverse reactions. Even drugs that appear simple and harmless may be fine for short-term use, but when used for a long time and in large quantities, adverse reactions may occur. Therefore, drugs must be used under the guidance of a doctor. If you have any questions about the use of drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist. I am pharmacist Huazi, welcome to follow me and share more health knowledge.