OTC (over-the-counter) drugs in Nigeria

Nine out of ten Nigerians commonly take over-the-counter (OTC) medications, most often to treat ailments like aches and pains, coughs and colds, fever, skin disorders, and heartburn and other digestive problems. The reasons are easy to understand. O.T.C.s are convenient, readily available in pharmacies, and they are less expensive than going to the doctor and perhaps paying for a costly prescription.
In addition to saving the consumers time and money, O.T.C.s give many people a sense of self-control over their health.
That’s all to the good if OTC drugs are used appropriately, for an indicated condition in the proper dosage and for no longer than the recommended time. However, one in five Nigerians who self-medicate admit to taking more than the recommended dose or using the medication for a longer duration than stated on the label.
Even if O.T.C.s are used correctly, there can be problems. Some drugs should not be taken by people with certain health conditions, or be combined with certain type of food or other drugs — prescribed or over the counter — because of the possibility of adverse interactions.

Commonly Abused O.T.C. drugs

Postinor-2
Postinor-2 Tablets is a brand of medicine containing the active ingredient "levonorgestrel". The primary mechanism of action of levonorgestrel as a progestogen-only emergency contraceptive pill is to prevent fertilization by inhibition of ovulation and thickening of the mucosa of cervix.
Pharmacotherapeutic effect: Postinor-2 is used as an emergency contraceptive after intercourse.
Pharmacotoxic effect: Delayed period, bleeding not related to menstrual bleeding, irregular bleeding or spotting nausea, diarrhea, vomiting lower abdominal pain, breast tenderness dizziness, headache.

Codeine
Codeine is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic. It is used to induce sleep and it also causes hallucination.
Pharmacotherapeutic effect: Codeine is used to treat mild to moderately severe pain.
Pharmacotoxic effect: feeling dizzy or drowsy; nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; constipation; sweating; or mild itching or rash.

Paracetamol
Paracetamol (also called acetaminophen or APAP) is a medication used to treat pain and fever. Paracetamol is a very commonly abused drug in Nigeria. Several people take it daily and its concentration in the body reaches toxic levels. When you overdose on paracetamol, you will increase the risk of damaging your liver.
Pharmacotherapeutic effect: Paracetamol is used for the relief of fever, pain, headaches, lower back pain etc.
Pharmacotoxic effect: Abuse or overdose of paracetamol can lead to liver damage, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and pain as acute liver failure. Some studies have found an association between paracetamol and a slight increase in kidney cancer.

In my subsequent posts, I'll discuss more OTC drugs. Spread the information to enlighten people.

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