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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
The Overuse of Medicines
We are a greatly overmedicated society. Many people believe
that there is a drug for every symptom. Some physicians
prescribe a drug during every office visit. These habits
can convey to our young people that drugs are the answer to
life's discomforts. More than $4 billion per year is spent
on over-the-counter drugs for fever, colds, and coughs--many
of them unnecessary. Drugs for vomiting and diarrhea are
largely ineffective, and these symptoms respond best to
dietary changes. Remember that mild symptoms do not require
any medication, and moderate symptoms often respond to home
remedies. Drugs are not essential to recovery from most
illnesses. Life is not a drug-deficient state.
ANTIBIOTICS INEFFECTIVE FOR VIRAL INFECTIONS
- More than 90 percent of infections, including colds,
coughs, croup, and diarrhea, are caused by viruses.
Antibiotics ("wonder drugs") kill bacteria.
Unfortunately, antibiotics have no effect on viruses.
They neither shorten the course of viral illnesses nor
reduce symptoms.
- Repeated use of antibiotics increases the likelihood of
an allergic reaction. 5 percent to 10 percent of adults
are allergic to penicillin.
- All antibiotics have additional side effects, such as
wiping out your normal protective bacteria and replacing
them with bacteria resistant to the antibiotic.
- Fortunately, the body's own antibodies can destroy
viruses.
- Use home remedies or nonprescription medicines for the
symptoms of viral illnesses.
NONPRESCRIPTION MEDICINES FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS
- When your child is sick, your goal is to make him as
comfortable as possible. If your child is playing and
sleeping normally, do not give nonprescription medicines.
- Give medicines only for symptoms that are causing
discomfort, disrupting sleep, or really bothering your
child, such as coughing spasms.
- Medicines for symptoms can only partially relieve those
symptoms (for example, a fever will be lowered but not to
a normal temperature). Medicines for symptoms do not
shorten the course of an illness.
- Nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines can also
have side effects.
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