Kiambu residents have been advised to avoid self-medicating using Over-The-Counter (OTC) medicines but instead visit health facilities when ill.
According to the medical superintendent at Kiambu Level Four Hospital, Dr Jonah Mwangi, people tend to treat themselves using OTCs drugs before confirming from a doctor the illness they might be suffering from.
Dr Mwangi who spoke on Friday said that OTC medicines can help an individual feel better by helping treat or prevent health problems such as allergies, constipation, cold, flu (influenza) and nausea but sometimes cause unpleasant effects (also called adverse effects.)
He mentioned that the medicine also could pose greater risks for some people, including very young children, older adults and people taking more than one type of medicine.
The doctor advised people with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, gout, enlarged prostate gland, heart diseases, kidney and liver diseases, psychiatric problems and high blood pressure to avoid OTC medicines as they are at greater risks of suffering adverse effects.
Dr Mwangi mentioned possible adverse effects like side-effects, drug-to-drug interaction, food-drug interaction and allergic interaction although the possible adverse effects may differ from one OTC medicine to another.
The health specialist also cautioned the residents to always check manufacture and expiry dates on the, medicines before purchasing to avoid cases of drug poisoning as many chemist owners target for large profits and could sell expired drugs.
The doctor advised that frequent use of OTC drugs was not healthy stating that people should use them in cases of first aid and instances where health facilities are away before visiting one for check-ups and treatment.
Dr Mwangi warned that some OTC drugs available in the market were addictive and could cause health disruptions if frequently used.