Drug identification and adverse reaction

In addition to purchasing drugs from qualified sources, knowledge of basic drug identification methods can also improve drug safety.

1.Check the drug's approval number.

The format of China's drug approval number is: 国药准字+ 1 letter + 8 digits. The format of China's trial production drug approval number is:国药准字+ 1 letter + 8 digits.

For the approval number, the letter "H" is used for chemical drugs, the letter "Z" for traditional Chinese medicine, the letter "B" for health care drugs approved by the National Medical Products Administration, the letter "S" for biological products, the letter "T" for in vitro chemical diagnostic reagents, the letter "F" for pharmaceutical adjuvants, and the letter "J" for imported sub-packaged drugs.

2. Check the outer packaging and appearance of the drug.

The packaging of qualified drugs must be approved by the National Medical Products Administration and show pure color with clear printing. The tablets must be of uniform color, smooth surface, uniform depth of clear characters, and free of spots, splits, deliquescence among other defects.

3. Check the manufacturer's information.

The name, address, zip code, telephone number and the web address of the manufacturer must be specified in detail on the outer package or specification of the drug. In some cases, special lines will be offered for users to verify its authenticity.

4. Check drug's special odors.

Some drugs, especially Chinese patent medicines, carry a special odor that can be used to help identify its authenticity.

Adverse reactions

Adverse reactions to drugs should be realized before use. Common adverse drug reactions include:

1. Side effects in common dosages, such as ephedrine used for asthma can also excite nervous centralis to cause insomnia among others; atropine used for spasmolysis can also cause dry mouth, blurred vision among others reactions.

2. Anaphylaxis. Some special reactions of some patients with special physical conditions, including skin rashes and drug fevers in minor cases and shock in serious cases. It is commonly found in antibiotics (such as penicillin, streptomycin, gentamicin, and chloramphenicol) and biological products (such as tetanus antitoxin and various vaccines).

3. Toxic reactions. Functional or organic damage happens as a result of strong pharmacological effects appearing in treatment due to the increased sensitivity of the patients, such as dermatitis rash, skin pruritus, and angioedema caused by sulfonamides drugs.

4. After effects of some treatments such as long-term use of sedatives and hypnotics for insomnia may cause lethargy.

5. Addiction and dependence. Long-term use of drugs like morphine and codeine will make the body seriously dependent and tolerant, and withdrawal symptoms can occur after drug use stops.

6. Teratogenesis. The major reason is the misuse of drugs during pregnancy; so many drugs come with a warning to be cautious during pregnancy.

7. Carcinogenesis. The canceration of tissues can be induced by drugs or drug metabolites.

Note: It is recommended to take drug only according to a doctor's advice and drug instructions. Please seek medical advice promptly if adverse reactions occur.