Side effects are the unwanted effects of drugs. All medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, can cause side effects. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, people who take three or more prescriptions daily are much more likely to suffer a side effect. Commonly, side effects will impact the gastrointestinal, nervous and integument systems. Hives, nausea, vomiting and headache are all usual side effects. Solutions for these side effects lie with the offending medication; report any side effects to the physician and follow some basic guidelines for relief.
Stop Offending Medication
The foremost solution for side effects is to stop the medication responsible. This is not always prudent or possible, however, as certain medications, like steroids, should not be abruptly stopped or additional side effects can ensue. Likewise, some chemotherapy and immune system drugs are inevitable to the treatment plan and must continue. In those cases, the physician may consider pre-treatment with medications, such as antihistamines, to decrease the side effects' severity.
Antihistamines
Diphenhydramine, or Benadryl, is a common over-the-counter antihistamine used to relieve side effects of the integumentary, or skin, system. Hives are raised, itchy bumps that can last for days as a side effect. Over-the-counter antihistamines, such as loratidine and diphenhydramine, will block the histamine release and decrease the itching sensation of skin rashes.
Pain Relievers
Headaches are a commonly reported side effect of many drugs. Headaches can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. A cool, dark room and ice application to the forehead can also bring non-medicinal headache relief. An uncommon, yet dangerous, side effect is lethargy or confusion. The only solution to this side effect is immediate medical attention, as this is indicative of a serious reaction.
Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea Relief
Most antibiotics list nausea, diarrhea or another gastrointestinal side effect on the label. Drug Watch lists over 800 medications that claim nausea as a side effect. Over-the-counter H2 antagonists such as Pepcid or Zantac can provide a solution to this discomforting side effect. Diarrhea is also typical with antibiotics, as the antibiotics remove the good bacteria along with the bad in the intestines. Hydration and over-the-counter anti-diarrheals, such as Immodium, will decrease the severity and duration of diarrhea.
