A new report highlights a troubling reality for millions who reach for over-the-counter painkillers: many use them incorrectly, risking serious health problems. Recent findings and expert guidance urge users of medicines like acetaminophen and NSAIDs to reassess habits to prevent accidental overdose and dangerous side effects. Data and insights from NPR’s coverage emphasize why this matters for families across Thailand, where OTC medicines are widely available and often used without prescriptions.
For Thai households, OTC painkillers are a common go-to for aches and fevers, bought at convenience stores and local pharmacies with minimal hesitation. Yet, experts warn that misunderstanding labels, exceeding recommended doses, and mixing multiple remedies can lead to liver damage, heart issues, stroke, and kidney problems. A study cited in the report found that a notable share of patients had exceeded safe NSAID dosages, often because people double-dosed across different products. In Thailand, where self-medication is ingrained and many products are sold without strict prescriptions, these cautions are highly relevant to everyday choices.
Why this matters in Thailand? The country’s culture of quick relief and easy medicine access can backfire. Whether it’s post-party aches after Songkran or menstrual pain, many seek fast fixes without full awareness of risks. Pharmacists, including university-affiliated experts, stress that the best painkiller depends on the condition: acetaminophen is generally safer for fever and stomach tolerance, while NSAIDs work well for inflammatory pain. Overuse of acetaminophen risks liver injury, and combining it with alcohol increases that danger. NSAIDs, while effective for inflammation, can irritate the stomach, raise blood pressure, or cause bleeding if misused.
Pharmacists play a crucial role in guiding safe choices. A pharmacy manager from a major university outpatient service emphasizes seeking professional advice to avoid duplicating active ingredients across products, such as cold and flu remedies that hide extra acetaminophen. In Thai households, asking a pharmacist is often overlooked but highly beneficial for safe self-medication.
Misuse of painkillers also stems from habit and marketing. Taking naproxen daily for menstrual cramps, for example, may signal an underlying health issue rather than a routine fix. In Thailand, traditional remedies and Western medicines are frequently used together, sometimes with unclear active ingredients. The message is clear: persistent or recurrent pain deserves medical evaluation, not just a quick pill from a convenience store.
Another common misconception is that more pills or mixing two NSAIDs will deliver stronger relief. In reality, this approach increases risk without added benefit. Many Thai consumers may not read labels closely or consult a healthcare professional when hurried.
When fever or post-injury pain is high, experts recommend alternating acetaminophen and NSAIDs at proper intervals to manage pain while reducing each medication’s side effects. This guidance challenges the mindset that “two pills will suffice,” encouraging more thoughtful dosing.
Not every discomfort requires a pill. Topical NSAIDs, creams, patches, and non-drug options like warm packs or gentle exercise can provide relief with fewer risks. In Thailand, herbal balms and massage therapy offer additional, culturally familiar routes that may be safer for some conditions. Collaboration with doctors about all available therapies is encouraged.
Looking ahead, health authorities worldwide and in Thailand are likely to prioritize patient education, clearer labeling, and stronger pharmacist roles. Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration may introduce stricter warnings and regulations for OTC sales as chronic diseases rise. Younger Thais, familiar with online information but prone to misinformation, benefit from reliable resources in both Thai and English.
Takeaway for readers: read labels, follow recommended doses, and consult a pharmacist before combining products. If you’re unsure, ask a pharmacist—this service is available at every pharmacy visit, even in Bangkok’s busy districts. Regular or severe pain deserves a clinician’s evaluation, not repeated trips to the medicine cabinet. Remember that non-drug approaches like physical therapy, relaxation, and reducing screen time can also aid recovery.
For further guidance, refer to credible, locally relevant sources: consult the general guidance shared by health authorities and seek information from trusted medical professionals. Always discuss any concerns with a pharmacist or physician to ensure safe, effective care.