Licorice tablets, once hailed as the "miracle medicine for coughs", are now inaccessible on the shelves of pharmacies. Patients who have relied on this medication almost daily for discomfort due to long-term cough have recently found that the purchase of licorice tablets has become limited. This change has left many Xi licorice tablets confused and uneasy. Why would such a common drug suddenly be restricted?Licorice tablets are so popular because of their remarkable cough suppressant effects, but at the same time, little is known about their potential side effects.
Licorice tablets: The secret ingredient of natural cough suppressant revealed
Licorice tablets are widely used as one of the cough medicines. Its core ingredient is licorice extract, which mainly contains glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizic acid has significant anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, while glycyrrhizin is widely known for its sweet taste. It is these ingredients that give licorice tablets their unique cough suppressant effect.
In terms of cough suppressants, licorice tablets relieve cough symptoms by reducing throat inflammation. For example, a study in patients with chronic bronchitis showed that medications containing licorice performed well in reducing cough frequency and sore throat. Additionally, licorice tablets are especially effective for dry coughs, as it can stimulate throat secretions, which can relieve coughs.
Licorice tablets are not suitable for all people. Although its natural ingredients sound safe and harmless, excessive use may trigger side effects for people with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Therefore, it is advisable to follow a doctor's advice when using licorice tablets, especially for patients with chronic diseases.
Licorice tablets: not only cough suppressant, but also hidden dangers
Licorice tablets, long known as a cough remedy, have indeed played a significant role in relieving cough symptoms. However, this drug is not completely harmless, and its side effects and potential harms are often overlooked.
Licorice tablets contain glycyrrhizic acid, a powerful compound that inhibits the cough reflex. But this compound affects both the body's water and electrolyte balance. Long-term or excessive use of licorice tablets may lead to sodium and water retention and potassium loss, which can lead to increased blood pressure, edema, and even irregular heartbeat. One study showed that about 10% of patients who took licorice for a long time developed these problems.
Licorice tablets may also interfere with hormonal balance. Glycyrrhizic acid is similar to adrenocortical hormones and can interfere with the body's normal hormone levels. This can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, and even depression in some cases. This effect is especially pronounced in patients with heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.
The pharmacological effects of licorice are not limited to cough suppressants, but also involve anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. However, these effects are often exaggerated without adequate clinical data to support them. In the absence of regulation, these unproven efficacy can mislead consumers.
Licorice tablets purchase restriction order: a necessary move to protect health
Licorice tablets, which have long been known as the best cough suppressants, have a significant effect on suppressing cough and relieving itchy throats. However, in recent years, the purchase of licorice tablets has gradually been restricted, due to the increasing awareness of its potential health risks.
Licorice, as a medicinal herb, has been used in medicine for thousands of years. However, scientific studies have revealed that the glycyrrhizic acid component in licorice may in some cases lead to potassium loss and sodium retention, which can lead to increased blood pressure, edema and even heart problems. The incidence and severity of these side effects are more significant, especially in middle-aged and older people. For example, a study in adults over the age of 50 found that the incidence of high blood pressure and heart disease was significantly higher in people who regularly used licorice-containing products than in the general population.
In light of these potential risks, drug regulators in several countries have begun to impose restrictions on the purchase of licorice-containing drugs. The implementation of this policy is not unwarranted, but is based on deep considerations for public health. By restricting purchases, you can effectively reduce health problems caused by the abuse or overuse of licorice tablets, especially without the guidance of a doctor.
The purchase restriction policy also aims to raise public awareness of the safety of drug use. By restricting purchases, people can be encouraged to consult with a medical professional before using any medication to make more informed health choices. This practice not only reduces the risk of self-treatment, but also helps to improve the overall safety of medication.
Proper use of licorice tablets: health care is not a hidden danger
Licorice tablets, a common cough suppressant, contain glycyrrhizic acid, which is widely recognized for its cough suppressant effects. But it cannot be ignored that the safe use of licorice tablets is essential to avoid potential health risks.
Knowing the dosage is key. The standard dosage of licorice tablets should be as directed by a doctor. Clinical studies have shown that the daily intake of licorice should not exceed 75 mg in adults. Excessive use can lead to edema, increased blood pressure, and even hypokalemia in severe cases. One study involving 300 patients found that those who adhered to the correct dosage had a significant increase in cough suppressant effectiveness and a lower rate of side effects.
Pay attention to the cycle of use. Long-term use of licorice tablets increases the risk of side effects. It is generally recommended that continuous use should not exceed 7 days. If cough symptoms do not improve, you should seek help from your doctor rather than blindly increasing the dose or prolonging the dose.
Use with caution in certain populations. Patients with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or diabetes should be especially careful when using licorice tablets. For example, patients with high blood pressure may experience blood pressure fluctuations after taking licorice tablets, which requires careful use under the guidance of a doctor.