Compound Licorice Tablets Side Effects

Compound licorice tablets are the most common and effective expectorant and antitussive medicines in clinical practice. They are cheap, have very good therapeutic effects, and are quite simple to take. Therefore, many people in daily life use compound licorice tablets to treat some diseases caused by colds and coughs. However, experts tell us that compound licorice tablets also have negative effects. If taken improperly, they will also have a great impact on the body.

Some people will experience nausea, vomiting, and worsening constipation after taking compound licorice tablets, while some people may even suffer from poisoning. It can be said that the side effects of compound licorice tablets are quite large. So what are the side effects of compound licorice tablets? Let's take a brief look at it together.

Compound licorice tablets are commonly used expectorant and antitussive drugs in clinical practice. They have obvious efficacy, few toxic and side effects, and are low in price. Its ingredients are licorice extract powder, opium powder, camphor, star anise oil and sodium benzoate. Among them, opioids are a type of drug that is prone to dependence and can cause addiction if taken for a long time. The longer you use it, the more dependent you become.

When taking compound licorice tablets, there may be three stages of feeling: discomfort at the beginning, and a few people will experience nausea, vomiting, constipation or regurgitation; continued large-scale use will produce relaxation and comfort; and further develop into a compulsive feeling that you have to take it. Once you stop taking the medicine, you will yawn, sweat, have a runny nose, have your hair stand on end, or get goose bumps, which are medically known as "withdrawal symptoms." Most people reach their peak 2 to 3 days after stopping the medication, but the symptoms ease very slowly and return to normal after about 3 to 6 months. Given that compound licorice tablets may cause dependence, they should not be taken for a long time. Generally, the medicine can be stopped after 5 consecutive days of use when the cough symptoms are alleviated.

The side effects of compound licorice tablets mainly come from the opium powder, also known as opium, contained in them. Opium powder has analgesic, sedative and antitussive effects. However, opioids are drugs that can easily cause human dependence (addiction). Even if the content is very low, long-term or large doses of opioids can cause addiction.

According to clinical reports, if the drug is taken for too long, euphoria may occur, and people may gradually develop a desire and dependence on it. Once the medication is stopped, the patient may experience symptoms such as frequent yawning, cold sweats, runny nose, and even restlessness, which often take two or three months to get rid of.

Experts point out that compound licorice tablets should not be taken for a long time. Generally, they should not be used continuously for more than 7 days. The medication can be stopped when the cough symptoms are alleviated. It should not be abused and is best used under the guidance of a doctor.

Compound licorice tablets contain opium, which may cause addiction if taken for a long time. They should not be taken continuously for more than 5 days. If you continue to take it for too long, you may feel a sense of pleasure and gradually develop a craving and dependence on it. Once the medication is stopped, the patient may experience symptoms such as frequent yawning, cold sweats, runny nose, and even restlessness, which often take two or three months to get rid of.

There are mild reactions such as nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and constipation. It should be used with caution by long-term alcoholics and alcoholics, people with unstable emotions, pregnant and lactating women, and patients with gastritis and gastric ulcers. Licorice has effects similar to glucocorticoids, which can cause water and sodium retention, potassium excretion, and increased blood sugar. Therefore, care should be taken when using it in combination with the following drugs. The first is cardiac glycosides (such as digoxin). Licorice can cause hypokalemia, increase the body's sensitivity to cardiac glycosides, and easily induce cardiac glycoside poisoning. Secondly, it should not be used in combination with diuretics, because water and sodium retention can weaken the effect of diuretics. At the same time, furosemide and thiazide diuretics also promote potassium excretion. Their combined use may cause or aggravate hypokalemia. In addition, the combined use of licorice and other drugs that damage the gastric mucosa, such as aspirin and salicylic acid, may increase the risk of ulcers. Licorice tablets have the effect of retaining water and sodium, which will increase blood pressure, so patients with hypertension should use them with caution. Because it also has the effect of raising blood sugar, it should not be used by diabetic patients. In addition, opioids can cause smooth muscle relaxation, resulting in difficulty in defecation and urination, and should be used with caution in patients with constipation and prostatic hypertrophy.

The above is an introduction to some of the side effects of compound licorice tablets. In fact, all medicines are toxic. Many medicines in daily life actually have certain side effects. If taken improperly, the harm to the body can be said to be fatal. Therefore, when taking them in daily life, you should actually pay relevant attention to them.