Common Side Effects for Popular Medications

From over-the-counter Advil to tightly controlled prescriptions, all medications come with side effects. Most of them tend to be minor while there are, also, always more serious side effects to watch out for. However, these can usually be avoided when careful research is conducted before deciding to ingest a particular medication. Strangely enough, there are often significantly similar side effects between medications that are vastly different in purpose. Possibly the most common of these side effects have to do with the gastrointestinal system. Almost any medication on the market that is ingested orally has the ability to cause an upset stomach or nausea. But, unfortunately, that is usually not the sole possible side effect. Side effects usually fall into several categories according to how they are triggered including allergic reactions, their basic chemical structure, or drug interactions. As a general rule, you should closely study the possible side effects of any medication before taking it. It is also wise to consult with your doctor, especially if the medication is less commonplace. In this article, we will cover the major and minor side effects of Prilosec, Advil, Gentamicin, and Prednisone for you to consult if you are considering a treatment which includes one of these medications.

Prilosec (Omeprazole)

Prilosec is a medication which is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. It has some common minor side effects and a few rare more serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you notice these more severe side effects:

• Allergic reaction of some form like hives or itching, swelling in your face, hands, mouth, or throat, chest tightness or trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Fever, joint pain, unusual weight gain
• Severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever
• Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss

If you notice any of these less serious side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about them to see if they are related to the medication:

• Headache or Mild diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Gas or Constipation

If the above side effects are mild, they will likely go away within a few days. If they don’t or worsen, call your doctor or pharmacist.

Gentamycin (Garamycin)

Gentamicin is an antibiotic used to treat many types of bacterial infections. It has some common minor side effects and a few rare more serious side effects. You ought to tell your doctor immediately if you find that you experience any of the following symptoms while taking this medication:

• Dizziness or Vertigo
• Hearing loss or Numbness
• Ringing in the ears
• Muscle twitching or weakness
• Breathing difficulties
• Decreased urination or Rash
• Itching or Sore throat

If any of the following mild side effects become more severe or don’t go away, then tell your doctor as well:

• Upset stomach
• Fatigue or Vomiting
• Pale skin or Increased thirst

Advil (Ibuprofen)

Advil is a medication that is used to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. Some of the minor side effects that can occur with Advil don’t require any kind of medical attention. As your body gets acclimated to the medicine, these side effects may dissipate. Your doctor may also be able to help you figure out ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. However, if any of the following minor side effects continue or worsen then you should talk about them with your health care professional:

• Continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
• Hearing loss or Nervousness

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these more major side effects occur when taking Advil:

• Abdominal pain or Vomiting
• Troubled breathing
• Pain or discomfort in chest, upper stomach, or throat
• Acid or sour stomach

Prednisone

Prednisone is a corticosteroid which is a man-made form of cortisol, a naturally produced steroid which fights illnesses and injuries. The medication is used as a replacement for those who have lower levels of cortisol. Common side effects of prednisone include:

• Headache or Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping or Acne
• Red or purple blotches or lines under the skin
• Inappropriate happiness or Severe mood swings
• Slowed healing of cuts and bruises
• Body change or Bulging Eyes
• Increased body hair growth
• Weak muscles or Extreme tiredness
• Unusual sweating or Heartburn

There are also some serious side effects that can occur. So, if you experience any of these side effects, stop taking prednisone and contact your doctor right away:

• Vision problems or Seizures
• Depression or Confusion
• Muscle twitching or tightening
• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Irregular heartbeat or Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath, particularly at night

Remember, many of these side effects are mild and easily controllable when you call your doctor. Those which are more severe tend to be rare and preventable. With proper research, your risk of severe side effects from allergic reaction or adverse drug interaction with any number of medication can be significantly decreased. Additionally, consult with your healthcare provider beforehand so you can feel comfortable with all your medication and treatments.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/drug-side-effects-explained#2

http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/gentamicin

http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/prednisone

http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/ibuprofen

http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/prilosec

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0011495/?report=details#side_effects

https://www.drugs.com/sfx/advil-side-effects.html