Page 178 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

176 A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES

A–Z of drug and natural remedies

A wide range of medicines is available for home use without a doctor’s prescription, as well as many herbal
and other natural remedies. Using these safely is an essential part of any home treatment. In this section,
you will find information on drugs and natural remedies that have been included in articles in this book, but
this is only a basic guide. The advice here is not intended to replace the guidance of medical professionals, so
always consult a doctor or pharmacist if you need more information. It is also essential that you read and
follow the instructions provided with any drug or remedy and pay particular attention to cautions.

How to use this section ● If you are already taking prescribed medication, talk to
your doctor before taking a new drug or remedy. Over-the-
Drugs and natural remedies are listed here alphabetically,
and there are cross-references to them from the articles in counter drugs and natural remedies can interact with each
which they are mentioned. Natural remedies are indicated other and with prescribed medicines, sometimes with
potentially harmful results. However, don’t stop taking
by a leaf symbol and drug entries by a pill symbol.
prescribed medicine without first consulting your doctor.
At the beginning of each drug entry there is a list of
● Store medicines and remedies in a cool, dry place, out
selected common brands with the main ingredients of each
brand given in brackets. Where a drug has several applications, of reach of children. Check expiration dates and dispose of
the brands for different uses are shown. any medicines and remedies that are out of date.
Some basic instructions on method of use are provided, but
details may vary from one product to another, so always refer Using natural remedies safely
to information supplied with the product. Common side
Although there is a huge variety of natural remedies
effects, if any, are given. Under precautions, you will find available in pharmacies and health stores, only a small
concerns that apply when using the product, specific number appear in this book. Those that have been included
circumstances in which it should not be used, and a cross have been selected on the basis that they have undergone
reference to the GENERAL CAUTIONS (below) when applicable.
medical testing and there is some evidence of their safety
and effectiveness. The few exceptions are herbal teas and
General cautions
sleep remedies that may help and are unlikely to cause harm.
Although many of the medicines included here can be used A concern when using natural remedies is that much of
safely by most people most of the time, there are situations the evidence for them is anecdotal, and testing of them
when extra care is needed or when some treatments should is usually less rigorous than for conventional drugs. In
be avoided entirely. Listed below are general cautions that addition, quality and dosages are not regulated or
apply when taking medicines and natural remedies. You standardized, so there is no guarantee of their strength,
should also read and follow the instructions and cautions purity, and safety, and their effects cannot be predicted
included with the product. exactly. When buying natural remedies, always use a
● If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, consult a doctor reputable supplier and make sure there are full instructions
or pharmacist before using any drug or remedy. and warnings with the product. Observe these carefully and
● Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using a medicine don’t exceed the recommended dose.
if you have liver or kidney problems or any other chronic When taking any remedy, be aware that although many
medical condition, such as a stomach ulcer, diabetes, heart of them are derived from plants and have the label
disease, or high blood pressure. Drugs and remedies may “natural” or “herbal,” they are not natural to the human
have stronger or different effects because of a chronic illness. body and can have effects that are as strong as those of
● Before treating babies and children, make sure you are conventional drugs. Natural remedies can also interact with
certain of the diagnosis and the suitability of the medicine. other drugs and substances, such as alcohol. Cautions also
Check dosages for different age ranges. Consult your doctor apply in the same circumstances as conventional drugs
or pharmacist first if you are in doubt about the treatment. (see GENERAL CAUTIONS, left).