What Are the Side Effects of Medications?
Due to the need for medication in treating diseases, the most feared aspect during medication is the adverse reactions to drugs. Adverse drug reactions mainly consist of two aspects. One is caused by issues related to drug quality, and the other is the inherent adverse reactions of the drug itself, also known as side effects. Common adverse drug reactions include gastrointestinal dysfunction and allergic reactions. It is recommended to strictly follow the doctor's instructions when taking medication.
If adverse reactions occur, consult a doctor promptly for further treatment. There is no uniform standard to describe or measure the severity of adverse drug reactions. Most oral medications can cause gastrointestinal dysfunction, with adverse reactions such as loss of appetite, nausea, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea accounting for a large proportion. Some patients may also experience allergic reactions after taking medication, manifesting as rashes, itching, and erythema.
A drug often has multiple effects, and reactions unrelated to the intended purpose of the medication at normal doses are referred to as side effects. Generally, side effects are relatively minor and mostly reversible functional changes that usually resolve quickly after discontinuation of the drug. Side effects vary depending on the intended use of the medication. For example, atropine is used as a preoperative medication to suppress glandular secretion, but postoperative intestinal distension and urinary retention can be side effects. When atropine is used to relieve biliary spasms, tachycardia and dry mouth become side effects.
Additionally, different drugs can have different adverse reactions. For instance, antihistamines and sedatives often cause adverse reactions such as headache, fatigue, and drowsiness. Therefore, adverse drug reactions can vary depending on the medication and individual differences.
