Every Pakistani home has a little cupboard or corner dedicated to medicines for fever, pain, cold, or stomach problems. Have you ever really wondered what those medicines are used for or how to take them? If you are a parent, student, or someone learning to survive the common ailments of life, then a brief discussion about the most commonly used medicines in Pakistan will help you decide the need for a clinic visit and thereby use them responsibly.
Paracetamol (Panadol)
Paracetamol is the most widely prescribed medicine in the country. It effectively helps manage fever and relieves headaches, muscular discomfort, or flu-like symptoms. Paracetamol is only safe for use and is given to children and adults when taken within the recommended dosage range (typically 500 mg every 6 hours). However, overdosing could lead to severe liver damage, hence the instruction never to exceed the dose and also not to mix with alcohol.
Ibuprofen ( Painkiller with Anti-Inflammatory Power)
Paracetamol is less potent than ibuprofen when it comes to relief from pain. It has been useful in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, toothache, injury to muscle, and pain in the joints. This ibuprofen also brings down the inflammation, that is, in contrast to the paracetamol. It also must be consumed after meals due to the irritability of the stomach. People with ulcers or kidney diseases should avoid the drug unless prescribed.
Cetirizine (Fast Relief from Allergies)
Cetirizine is administered to relieve allergy symptoms, which include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itching triggered by pollen, dust, or skin rash. Cetirizine is used for adults and children over 6 years of age. The best part: Since it does not cause drowsiness as much as the older generation of drugs, it may also be taken during the day. By stopping allergies, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itching may take due to pollen, dust, or skin rash-the cetirizine; it may be given to an adult and to a child over 6 years. The best part: It is less drowsy than older types of antihistamine. It may even be taken throughout the day.
Metronidazole (Flagyl) Stomach Infections
Flagyl is an antibiotic commonly used when stomach cramping, diarrhea, or food poisoning sets in. It treats parasitic or bacterial infections of the stomach and intestines. It should always be taken with meals, and you must complete the full course to avoid recurring infections.
Omeprazole ( For Acidity and Indigestion)
The Omeprazole is a much prescribed medication belonging to the PPI category that prevents acid secretion into the stomach. It is very useful for patients who suffer from chronic acid reflux with burning pain in the chest or have indigestion immediately following eating. Omeprazole should ideally be taken before breakfast for complementing long-lasting relief and protection of the stomach lining.
ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts)
An oral rehydration solution is essentially a product that must be available in every house, especially in summer or diarrhea. It restores lost water and salts, mainly through vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating. It is safe for all age groups and prevents dehydration, which, if not treated early, becomes dangerous fast.
Amoxicillin (Most Common Antibiotic)
Amoxicillin is used for throat, ear, lung, and dental infections, and is one of Pakistan’s most prescribed medications. However, it is to be taken only with a doctor’s recommendation. Overuse or halfway stoppage leads to antibiotic resistance, and consequently, such infections may be more difficult to treat in future.
Buscopan (Relief from Stomach Cramps)
It is fast acting in relaxing the stomach muscles and calming spasms if there is sudden stomach pain or menstrual cramping. It is free of any such drowsiness, and people tend to use it when feeling bothered by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or just feeling bloated.
Loperamide (Imodium)
In case you need to bathroom frequently, Loperamide will decrease the number of times. It slows down intestinal movement with fast relief. However, do not take it should you find blood in your stool or have a fever; that might mean a serious infection needing antibiotics!
Multivitamins (For Daily Energy and Immunity)
A daily multivitamin supports immunity, energy, skin health, and general wellness. They’re especially helpful for people with poor diets, recovering from illness, or those under stress. Choose based on age and gender, and don’t exceed the daily dose.