Drug Information Q&A Q11. Why do side effects occur?
Answer
There are various causes of side effects, including the effects of the drug's ingredients, compatibility with the patient's constitution, and improper use of the drug. If you experience unusual symptoms after using a medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Explanation
After taking a cold remedy, I feel better but may become very sleepy.
This is mainly due to the antihistamines contained in the cold medicine. Antihistamines have a "main effect" of suppressing a runny nose and sneezing, but they also have a "side effect" of making you sleepy.
In this way, the beneficial effect, which is the original purpose of a drug, is called the "main effect," while the unanticipated effect is called the "side effect.
Side effects can have various causes, as in the case below.
Side effects may include drowsiness, thirst, rash, itching, stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, cramps, diarrhea, and many other symptoms. For mild symptoms such as drowsiness, you can take your own measures, such as taking a nap or not driving.
However, depending on the symptoms, it may be dangerous to continue taking the same medication. Also, depending on the disease, the doctor may use a medicine while monitoring the patient's condition in order to prioritize treatment.
In such cases, stopping medication on one's own judgment may make it difficult to recover from the disease.
In either case, if you experience unusual symptoms after using a medication, first consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Most pharmaceutical companies have a consultation service for pharmaceuticals, so if you have any questions, please contact them.
Chart/Column
11｜Factors causing side effects
Examples of various cases leading to side effects
- Cases in which the drug's ingredients act on areas other than the affected area, resulting in side effects
- Cases in which side effects occur due to poor physical condition, such as an upset stomach
- Cases in which a patient uses a drug without knowing that he/she is allergic to it
- Cases in which a large number of doses have been taken due to a mistake in the use of the drug.
- Cases in which a patient took a drug together with other drugs and was affected by the combination.
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