An “evil saint” may be hiding in your medicine cabinet. From acidity pills to pain relievers, some common over-the-counter medications have become so routine that we take them without thinking twice—seeking quick relief but inviting long-term side effects.
Pharmacist Steve Hoffart, President at Magnolia Pharmacy, Texas, US, talks about widely used medications that he personally avoids unless absolutely necessary in his latest Instagram reels. His insights reveal why self-medication can be dangerous, even when the drug seems familiar or harmless.
Below are five medications you should avoid without proper medical supervision, as they can do more harm than good if used incorrectly.
Long-term use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen—popular for pain and inflammation—is one of the most common medication mistakes.
They can irritate the stomach lining, leading to ulcers, internal bleeding, and what experts call “leaky gut syndrome.”
Instead of relying solely on NSAIDs, health experts recommend addressing the root cause of inflammation with dietary changes, omega-3 supplements, or natural anti-inflammatory compounds such as curcumin and magnesium.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole and pantoprazole, commonly prescribed for acid reflux and heartburn, are among the most overused drugs. They lower stomach acid—but your body actually needs acid to digest protein and absorb essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and magnesium.
Long-term PPI use can lead to nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, anemia, and osteoporosis due to weaker bones.
Common side effects include headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
Experts suggest managing reflux naturally by identifying food triggers, improving gut health through probiotics, and avoiding late-night meals instead of depending entirely on acid blockers.
Statins are widely prescribed for lowering cholesterol, but Hoffart highlights that cholesterol itself isn’t always the enemy.
By reducing cholesterol, statins also lower CoQ10 and vitamin D, crucial for muscle strength and energy. This explains why many patients on statins experience muscle pain and fatigue.
Instead of just lowering numbers, experts recommend advanced cholesterol testing (like ApoB or oxidized LDL) and lifestyle modifications—including a fiber-rich diet, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep.
Natural cholesterol-lowering alternatives like omega-3s, bergamot, or berberine can also support healthy lipid levels.
Unprescribed antibiotic use remains a serious issue, especially in India and developing countries.
Drugs like azithromycin and ciprofloxacin are often used for viral infections such as fever, sore throat, or cold, where they offer no benefit.
“Unregulated antibiotic use contributes to antimicrobial resistance,” Hoffart warns.
It can also disrupt gut microbiota, cause allergic reactions, and make patients vulnerable to recurring infections.
Always take antibiotics only when prescribed and complete the full course to prevent resistance.
Cough syrups containing codeine or dextromethorphan may seem harmless, but misuse can lead to dependency and drowsiness.
While these medications provide short-term relief for persistent cough, their sedative properties make them habit-forming if overused.
Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, and impaired judgment.
Pharmacists recommend non-sedating alternatives and urge patients to avoid codeine-based syrups unless explicitly prescribed.
While medications are designed to heal, self-prescription can be dangerous. From antibiotics to acidity tablets, availability doesn’t mean safety.
The key lies in awareness, moderation, and consultation with a licensed healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug.
Disclaimer: Patients are urged to avoid self-medication, use drugs only as prescribed and consult healthcare professionals before starting or continuing any treatment. After all, the safest medicine is the one taken responsibly.
Reviewed by Dr. Shikhar Dabas
MSM
