howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
Guest 657- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,037
It's frightening and as you say it's a wake up call that we really do need to read the contents and double check the dosage on things like this.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
two issues here jeane, firstly you mention about the problems of taking more over the counter medicines than are needed, rightly so.
more importantly is the over prescribing of antibiotics, there are signs in doctors surgeries and chemists telling people about this but people put pressure on their g.p to give them out.
as far as i understand the victim merely had a bad cold and she would have been better off with a glass of honey and lemon, plenty of water and a lot of sleep.
Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,888
How sad but the woman herself was to blame, she obviously did not realise there is no cure for a cold one has to grin and bare it.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Guest 710- Registered: 28 Feb 2011
- Posts: 6,950
The text does say that she was diagnosed as having a chest infection, that does require antibiotics.
Many of these over-the-counter 'remedies' are advertised as effectual and if there are any warnings as to overdose that would be in the tiny print.
Paracetamol comes in non toxic as well as toxic forms and many chemists ration their supply, but it was the Christmas period when everybody wishes to be well. Sad really sad.
Where would we be without our mums?
[so much for what killed her...what was she suffering from?]
Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing.
Guest 657- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,037
Whilst I was in hospital last year with pneumonia and septicemia it was discovered that my liver and kidneys were beginning to shut down. Once that was stabilised I had a liver scan and was told my liver was still 'dry'. One of the causes of this was from too much paracetemol (they had been pumping me full of it in hospital to bring my temperature down.) Prior to that parectemol had been my painkiller of choice. I never exceed the stated dosage but I did take it on a very regular basis (headache, period pain etc.) I immediately stopped and now take only aspirin as and when required, which is rare, I'd rather suffer with pain instead. Doing a bit of detective work I also realised the bad reactions I had to flu medication was from too much paracetemol. I honestly wish it was banned.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
all very worrying paracetamol is available so easily, even in poundland.
if you have a toothache or earache then the chances of overdosing must be high.
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
32 paracetamol over here costs only 34p plus no restriction on amount purchased.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 710- Registered: 28 Feb 2011
- Posts: 6,950
I have to change my tune slightly...
There is no 'good' form of Paracetamol. There are though, as I understand it restrictions on the amount one can buy at one time;from Pharmacies or at the supermarket.
Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
dirt cheap here, some shops restrict the number per customer but that doesn't stop anyone buying from a series of shops.
Ross Miller
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,706
The bottom line surely is
read the instructions and DO NOT EXCEED the stated dose
Do not leave A&E if the wait is too long - go talk to the staff - particularly if you are feeling worse
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
Guest 657- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,037
I think even abiding by the stated dosage can still cause problems as it can build up in the liver.
Some reputable pharmacies do restrict the amount you can purchase but alas many places don't. I didn't get one question regarding the fact that in the past I have purchased 2 types of flu medication (both containing Paracetamol) along with a packet of Paracetamol.
Last week in a well known high street chemist I was asked why I need two packs of aspirin, one soluble one ordinary. I explained I had dental surgery and figured I may not be able to take the regular type but wasn't sure if I could stomach the soluble sort - well done that pharmacist!
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
the problem is that if someone is in a lot of pain, the correct dosage means very little to them.
Guest 715- Registered: 9 Jun 2011
- Posts: 2,438
On stated dose, does the standard 2 paracetamol have the same pain relieving properties on a heavy 6'4" male as a less than 5' slim one?
Audere est facere.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
good question martin, when we buy flea treatments for cats and dogs they always ask for the weight of the animal so that they can get the dosage right.
Terry Nunn
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,316
The same could be said for legal blood/alcohol levels.
Terry
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Guest 710- Registered: 28 Feb 2011
- Posts: 6,950
I don't think that is quite right Terry. The limit is set at a level per unit volume of blood. The amount of blood one has will depend on overall size/weight.
Now; Dosage, that is a different matter. There the two are similar in that one pint may take a 'slight' person over the limit where it may take two or more pints for those of more gross an aspect to reach the same concentration of booze to blood.
Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing.
Terry Nunn- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,316
Yes I did wonder after I posted but I thought I'd let it ride. On the other hand won't one tablet have the same effect on a 10 stone person as two on someone 20 stone?
Terry
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Guest 657- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,037
Size differences are usually blamed but it's more to do with women's hormones affecting how the drugs are absorbed.
Men are able to absorb and deal with alcohol better than women because we lack an enzyme in the stomach that breaks the alcohol down. Women recover from anesthesia quicker than men though!
Guest 710- Registered: 28 Feb 2011
- Posts: 6,950
I've had a little Google into this Terry and it's complex. There is a great deal of talk about surface area being a better way of judging dosage.
Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing.