Common Drugs

Question 1

Paracetamol

Answer 1

Usages: Used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Commonly used for headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, and cold symptoms.

Warnings: Avoid exceeding the recommended dosage to prevent liver damage. Use with caution in patients with liver disease.

Timing: Can be taken before or after meals. Take as prescribed by the doctor, typically every 4–6 hours, but do not exceed the daily dose.

Question 2

Ibuprofen

Answer 2

Usages: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief, reducing fever, and inflammation.

Warnings: May cause stomach irritation, ulcers, or bleeding. Avoid in people with kidney issues.

Timing: Take with food to reduce stomach upset. Can be taken every 4–6 hours as needed.

Question 3

Aspirin

Answer 3

Usages: Used to reduce fever, pain, and inflammation. Also used for cardiovascular protection.

Warnings: May cause stomach ulcers, bleeding, and gastrointestinal issues. Avoid in children with viral infections due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Timing: Take with food to reduce stomach irritation. Typically taken every 4–6 hours.

Question 4

Cetirizine

Answer 4

Usages: Antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

Warnings: Can cause drowsiness in some individuals. Use with caution in people with liver or kidney issues.

Timing: Take once daily, usually in the evening or as prescribed.

Question 5

Loratadine or Alerday

Answer 5

Usages: Antihistamine for allergy relief, including hay fever and urticaria (hives).

Warnings: Rarely causes drowsiness, but avoid alcohol to minimize this effect.

Timing: Can be taken once a day, usually in the morning.

Question 6

Ranitidine

Answer 6

Usages: Used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers by reducing stomach acid production.

Warnings: May cause dizziness, headache, or constipation. Should be used with caution in people with liver or kidney disease.

Timing: Typically taken once or twice a day, before meals or as prescribed by a doctor.

Question 7

Tramadol

Answer 7

Usages: Used to treat moderate to severe pain. It works by altering how the brain and nervous system respond to pain.

Warnings: Can be habit-forming. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives. May cause dizziness or drowsiness.

Timing: Take every 4–6 hours as needed for pain. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Question 8

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (e.g., Norco, Vicodin)

Answer 8

Usages: Combination pain reliever for moderate to severe pain.

Warnings: Can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and dependency. Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.

Timing: Typically taken every 4–6 hours as prescribed.

Question 9

Domperidone

Answer 9

Usages: Used to treat nausea, vomiting, and gastric motility disorders. It helps with the movement of food through the stomach.

Warnings: May cause dizziness or headache. Should be avoided in individuals with a history of heart problems.

Timing: Usually taken 15–30 minutes before meals. Dosage depends on the condition being treated.

Question 10

Cinnarizine

Answer 10

Usages: Used to treat motion sickness, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. It also helps with allergic conditions like hay fever and urticaria (hives).

Warnings: Can cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while on this medication. Use caution in people with a history of heart disease.

Timing: Usually taken 1–2 hours before travel to prevent motion sickness. For other conditions, take as prescribed, typically once or twice a day.