Clipping Board » Drug Poisoning ─ It is necessary to be aware of the toxic side effects before taking medication.
2009-3-10 16:30:26 Source: Sichuan Online
Taking cold medicine when you have a cold is a common practice for many people. However, recent information released by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has drawn attention to the potential side effects of these medications. The agency stated that most cold and cough medicines contain 15 ingredients that may cause adverse reactions. Is this really the case? A reporter investigated the matter.
**69 Cold Medicines Have Side Effects**
Recently, media reports indicated that the MHRA, a drug safety regulatory body under the UK government, evaluated 69 cold medicines and found that many commonly used over-the-counter children's cold and cough medications are not only ineffective but may also cause various side effects, including potentially fatal risks.
The agency’s evaluation report revealed that these 69 commonly used cold medicines might "trigger allergic reactions, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and other side effects." The MHRA noted that most cold and cough medicines contain 15 ingredients that could lead to adverse reactions. These include pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, oxymetazoline, and xylometazoline, which constrict nasal blood vessels; antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, promethazine, triprolidine, and brompheniramine; cough suppressants like dextromethorphan and pholcodine; and expectorants such as guaifenesin and ipecac.
The MHRA cited a report stating that at least five children under the age of two died from overdosing on such cold medicines, with over 100 severe cases of harmful reactions. In some cases, children had to be hospitalized due to adverse drug reactions.
**Medication Only Temporarily Relieves Symptoms**
Experts explained that most Western cold and cough medicines sold in China contain the aforementioned 15 ingredients, such as Bai Jia Hei, Contac, and Gan Tan Hao.
"There’s a misconception that needs to be clarified," said Wu Zhengzhong, deputy director and chief pharmacist of the Pharmacy Department at Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, in an interview on March 6. He explained that cold symptoms are primarily caused by viruses, and cold medicines only alleviate symptoms rather than eliminate the virus.
"Many people carry cold medicine with them and take it at the first sign of symptoms, but this is not scientific," Wu pointed out. "All medicines have potential side effects, and over-reliance on cold medications may negatively impact health."
Lin Ruping, deputy chief physician of the Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Department at Chengdu First People’s Hospital, also noted that taking cold medicine is mainly for temporary relief rather than guaranteed treatment. "Cold medicines are usually symptom-specific. For example, pseudoephedrine helps relieve nasal congestion by dilating capillaries, while antihistamines reduce mucus secretion, quickly alleviating sneezing and runny nose." He added that many cold medicines on the market are compound drugs, and since each patient’s condition and constitution vary, treatment should be tailored accordingly.
**Mixing Cold Medicines Can Lead to Overdose**
During interviews, the reporter learned that many people mix different cold medicines. Yin Jun, deputy chief physician of the Respiratory Department at Chengdu Third People’s Hospital, advised against this practice. "Some people take cold medicine along with herbal remedies like Banlangen granules, thinking it speeds up recovery, but this may lead to overdose."Yin Jun mentioned that some cold medicines and instant drinks might contain similar ingredients. If taken simultaneously, it could lead to an excessive dose of certain components, increasing the risk of adverse reactions. "It's best to follow medical advice when purchasing or seeking treatment, clarifying how many times a day and how much to take each time, rather than assuming the dosage."
"The dosage of medications is determined through extensive testing and generally does not exceed what patients can tolerate," said Yang Xiong, head of the Quality Management Department at Chengdu First Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. He noted that individual responses to medication vary, so patients should strictly follow the dosage instructions on the label without arbitrarily increasing the amount.
**Caution Advised for Children Under Two**
It is reported that in 2007, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disclosed that between 2004 and 2005, at least 1,500 children under two years old experienced seizures and cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological side effects after taking cold medicine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that children under two avoid cough and cold medications, while those under six should use them cautiously. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Wyeth, and Novartis have voluntarily recalled children's cold medicines from the U.S. market.
An anonymous source from a large children's pharmaceutical factory in Harbin stated that their products are designed for common pediatric symptoms, with strict controls on ingredients and dosages, clearly labeled in instructions and packaging. However, he admitted that children's cold medicines mainly alleviate symptoms, and severe cases should seek hospital treatment.
"Children's immune systems are not fully developed, and their weaker resistance makes them more prone to colds and fevers," said Wu Zhengzhong. He explained that children's tolerance to medication differs from adults, involving not only dosage variations but also certain drugs being contraindicated for them. Therefore, parents should avoid giving cold medicine to children. "For example, quick-acting cold capsules contain highly toxic paracetamol, which is prohibited for children under three. Another example is 'Ganmaotong,' which may cause hematuria and kidney damage in children."
(Source: *Consumer Quality News*, by Shu Hao)
Source: http:/ / www. usetm. com/ info/ Re……& SmallClassID=39& SpecialID=0
69 Cold Medicines May Have Deadly Side Effects, Caution for Children under 2
Taking cold medicine when you have a cold is a common practice for many people. However, recent information released by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has drawn attention to the potential side effects of these medications. The agency stated that most cold and cough medicines contain 15 ingredients that may cause adverse reactions. Is this really the case? A reporter investigated the matter.
**69 Cold Medicines Have Side Effects**
Recently, media reports indicated that the MHRA, a drug safety regulatory body under the UK government, evaluated 69 cold medicines and found that many commonly used over-the-counter children's cold and cough medications are not only ineffective but may also cause various side effects, including potentially fatal risks.
The agency’s evaluation report revealed that these 69 commonly used cold medicines might "trigger allergic reactions, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and other side effects." The MHRA noted that most cold and cough medicines contain 15 ingredients that could lead to adverse reactions. These include pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, oxymetazoline, and xylometazoline, which constrict nasal blood vessels; antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, promethazine, triprolidine, and brompheniramine; cough suppressants like dextromethorphan and pholcodine; and expectorants such as guaifenesin and ipecac.
The MHRA cited a report stating that at least five children under the age of two died from overdosing on such cold medicines, with over 100 severe cases of harmful reactions. In some cases, children had to be hospitalized due to adverse drug reactions.
**Medication Only Temporarily Relieves Symptoms**
Experts explained that most Western cold and cough medicines sold in China contain the aforementioned 15 ingredients, such as Bai Jia Hei, Contac, and Gan Tan Hao.
"There’s a misconception that needs to be clarified," said Wu Zhengzhong, deputy director and chief pharmacist of the Pharmacy Department at Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, in an interview on March 6. He explained that cold symptoms are primarily caused by viruses, and cold medicines only alleviate symptoms rather than eliminate the virus.
"Many people carry cold medicine with them and take it at the first sign of symptoms, but this is not scientific," Wu pointed out. "All medicines have potential side effects, and over-reliance on cold medications may negatively impact health."
Lin Ruping, deputy chief physician of the Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Department at Chengdu First People’s Hospital, also noted that taking cold medicine is mainly for temporary relief rather than guaranteed treatment. "Cold medicines are usually symptom-specific. For example, pseudoephedrine helps relieve nasal congestion by dilating capillaries, while antihistamines reduce mucus secretion, quickly alleviating sneezing and runny nose." He added that many cold medicines on the market are compound drugs, and since each patient’s condition and constitution vary, treatment should be tailored accordingly.
**Mixing Cold Medicines Can Lead to Overdose**
During interviews, the reporter learned that many people mix different cold medicines. Yin Jun, deputy chief physician of the Respiratory Department at Chengdu Third People’s Hospital, advised against this practice. "Some people take cold medicine along with herbal remedies like Banlangen granules, thinking it speeds up recovery, but this may lead to overdose."Yin Jun mentioned that some cold medicines and instant drinks might contain similar ingredients. If taken simultaneously, it could lead to an excessive dose of certain components, increasing the risk of adverse reactions. "It's best to follow medical advice when purchasing or seeking treatment, clarifying how many times a day and how much to take each time, rather than assuming the dosage."
"The dosage of medications is determined through extensive testing and generally does not exceed what patients can tolerate," said Yang Xiong, head of the Quality Management Department at Chengdu First Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. He noted that individual responses to medication vary, so patients should strictly follow the dosage instructions on the label without arbitrarily increasing the amount.
**Caution Advised for Children Under Two**
It is reported that in 2007, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disclosed that between 2004 and 2005, at least 1,500 children under two years old experienced seizures and cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological side effects after taking cold medicine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that children under two avoid cough and cold medications, while those under six should use them cautiously. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Wyeth, and Novartis have voluntarily recalled children's cold medicines from the U.S. market.
An anonymous source from a large children's pharmaceutical factory in Harbin stated that their products are designed for common pediatric symptoms, with strict controls on ingredients and dosages, clearly labeled in instructions and packaging. However, he admitted that children's cold medicines mainly alleviate symptoms, and severe cases should seek hospital treatment.
"Children's immune systems are not fully developed, and their weaker resistance makes them more prone to colds and fevers," said Wu Zhengzhong. He explained that children's tolerance to medication differs from adults, involving not only dosage variations but also certain drugs being contraindicated for them. Therefore, parents should avoid giving cold medicine to children. "For example, quick-acting cold capsules contain highly toxic paracetamol, which is prohibited for children under three. Another example is 'Ganmaotong,' which may cause hematuria and kidney damage in children."
(Source: *Consumer Quality News*, by Shu Hao)
Source: http:/ / www. usetm. com/ info/ Re……& SmallClassID=39& SpecialID=0