SAS Urban Survival Handbook (42 page)

Lavatory cleaners

May contain acids or alkalis, both strong enough to cause burns to the skin and eyes. May also contain ammonia, caustic soda or chlorine. If ingested, lavatory cleaners may cause burns to the mouth and lips and throat, with severe damage to the stomach. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Give water to sip. Seek URGENT medical attention.
Skin contact 3/Eye contact 2

Hydrogen peroxide

The stronger the concentration, the more serious the effects. If swallowed, give water to drink and seek medical attention.
Skin contact 3/Eye contact 2.
If skin or eyes are ‘burnt’, seek medical attention.

Alum

A powerful astringent. If swallowed, may cause gastrointestinal problems.
Skin contact 2/Eye contact 2

THE MEDICINE CUPBOARD

Being able to buy ‘drugs’ over the counter at pharmacies—for some people—implies that the substances are ‘safe’. Sometimes this is far from the truth. No product is intended to be used excessively or for a long time. Some may be completely unsuitable for children or should only be used with care by the elderly.

In some cases, where these products are used to treat only ‘symptoms’, a more important medical problem may be masked—or new illnesses/conditions may develop.

The information given here is very general. ALWAYS consult your doctor or medical adviser before using a product regularly. ALWAYS read manufacturers’ instructions.

WARNING

Suddenly ceasing prescribed medication may produce harmful effects. Seek medical advice before doing so.

PLEASE NOTE

Some types of ‘constant-use’ preparations can give cause for concern. If you rely heavily on any of the following – for any reason – you should consult a doctor: pain relievers (including analgesics such as aspirin), cough and cold ‘cures’, nasal decongestants and laxatives.

MEDICINE SAFETY

It should go without saying that anything which belongs in a medicine cupboard should NEVER be left where children could reach it. Even adult-strength iron tablets (which may look exactly like sweets) can be extremely dangerous for a child. LOCK THE CUPBOARD AND HIDE THE KEY! Also, avoid mix-ups by the elderly or poor-sighted by clear labelling and NEVER swapping drugs from one container to another.

If you are taking prescribed medicines of any kind, ALWAYS consult a doctor/pharmacist if you regularly use or intend to use any over-the-counter preparations. Some chemicals may produce undesirable combinations in the body which could prove harmful.

Pregnant women and women who are breast-feeding babies under six months old should be wary of ALL drugs – even aspirin and paracetamol – unless they are assured by a doctor that it is safe to take them. Many drugs will pass from mother to baby.

Aspirin

It is now agreed (at least in the UK and US) that aspirin and products containing aspirin should NOT be given to children under twelve. Many adults are sensitive and may experience gastrointestinal pain or problems, rashes or even asthma. Over use may damage the wall of the stomach—possibly causing internal bleeding. Never take aspirin if you have a stomach ulcer. Taking aspirin regularly may cause you to develop sensitivity. Aspirin (salicyclic acid) is a constituent of many other preparations including wart removers and corn ‘cures’—both lead to absorption of the chemical into the system.

Paracetamol

Never take paracetamol if you have a history of liver or kidney problems. The main danger of long-term use is damage to the liver. Doses should be very much reduced for children AND the elderly. Do NOT take paracetamol, even at the stated maximum dosage, for more than two or three days. If it hasn’t ‘worked’, you should see a doctor in case you are taking the wrong medicine. Paracetamol is also a constituent of many other preparations—always read labels!

Codeine

Not so commonly available these days, but should definitely not be over used. It is common as an ingredient in cough medicines and pain-killing preparations. Dependency may occur—because codeine is an opium derivative. It may react badly with other drugs. Main side-effects include constipation and drowsiness. In higher doses, there may be a clamminess of the skin or even loss of consciousness. The presence of codeine in any ‘medicine’ is usually clearly marked.

Indigestion remedies

If you need to take indigestion remedies frequently, you may have dietary problems. See a doctor. Common ingredients include: aluminium compounds (aluminium is a potentially toxic metal), magnesium compounds and sodium bicarbonate. Constipation may result from aluminium-based preparations in the short term, but links are being investigated with bone development problems and possible kidney damage. Magnesium is very likely to cause diarrhoea, and may be toxic if taken to excess. The kidneys may suffer from long-term use. Even bicarbonate of soda should not be used on a regular basis. It actually produces gas (CO
₂
) in your stomach.

Diarrhoea remedies

Most are based on opium or belladonna derivatives and NOT designed for prolonged use. You may experience a dry mouth and giddiness. Rashes have been known to be caused in some people. Treat with great caution and consult a doctor if you feel you need to take a medicine like this on a regular basis.

Cough medicines

Codeine-based products should be used with extreme caution. They can lead to dependency. Antihistamines in these preparations will make you drowsy—possibly very drowsy. By inhibiting coughing—codeine especially may prevent the lungs being relieved of mucous. Ephedrine is a stimulant, with an adrenalinlike tendency to make you tense and nervous. It can react badly with other drugs. Ipecacuanha, seen in some medicines, is an emetic (vomit inducer). It can only be presumed that high doses of medicine containing it may make you feel sick.

Hay fever/allergy remedies

Be VERY careful of the sedative effects of antihistamines—sleep may be unavoidable. Do NOT mix with alcohol or attempt to drive or operate machinery. There may be gastrointestinal or urinary problems with long-term use.

Cold ‘cures’

Very high doses of vitamin C are not good for you over a long period. Problems may involve kidney stones, diarrhoea, stomach problems and heartburn. There may even be a kind of dependence developed. Aspirin in combination with vitamin C may lead to further stomach irritation.

Try to avoid gargles and lozenges with iodine or borate in them—especially for children and the elderly. There may be toxic effects from absorption.

Nasal decongestants should never be used for more than seven days. The nasal passages may be damaged—or even toughened up, and congestion may become worse. Camphorbased products are NOT suitable for babies or infants.

Travel-sickness remedies

Most are based on antihistamines (see
Hay fever/allergy remedies
). Nearly all can cause severe drowsiness. Since they are taken when travelling, there is a great danger that you may attempt to drive. You may fall asleep and miss destinations or not hear warning announcements. Regular use should be avoided, except under medical supervision. Take great care with dosages for children and the elderly.

Laxatives

Taking laxatives is a rather old-fashioned idea. It is still very common and people should try to regulate bowel movements by dietary means. Laxatives do NOT cure the cause of constipation. Users may become dependent, and not deal with the actual cause of their condition.

Vitamin/mineral supplements

These are NOT cures. They are NOT sweets. They are NOT intended to be taken in concentrated form over long periods. They are a dietary supplement—NOT an alternative to eating properly. They are good as support when health is low or in times of illness. Problems of excessive or very long-term use could be serious. If you feel you ‘need’ vitamins (in normal doses) for more than a couple of weeks, see a doctor. There are already well-recognized side effects of many vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and D, for instance, can be very toxic if over used. Do NOT allow children to eat vitamins like sweets.

Germanium has been recently banned by law (in the UK, at least) and there is some doubt about ingesting selenium. Niacin has been shown to be harmful in quite small overdose quantities. Always bear in mind that ‘food supplements’ are often not vetted/tested as drugs.

PRESCRIBED MEDICINES

There has been a lot of debate about most prescribed medicines. Some undoubtedly ‘work’ – but many produce side effects or bad combinations with other drugs and may lead to addiction or dependency. Mild or serious overdosing may occur. Most people trust medicines and doctors enough to believe that a course of medicines prescribed for them MUST be good for them. They will often carry on taking a medicine which disagrees with them. If in doubt, go back to your doctor – there may be an alternative that could be prescribed.

More and more people are looking outside conventional medicine for ‘kinder’ cures and therapy. It may be that a ‘cure’ is more frightening than the condition, in some cases.

Safety points

• ◑ NEVER share medicines with anyone else. Just because they are suffering a ‘similar’ condition, does not mean that the medicine is appropriate.
  
• ◑ ALWAYS ask the doctor or pharmacist about the known side effects of a medicine. It is their duty to tell you.
  
• ◑ ALWAYS ask how serious it would be if someone else—perhaps a child—took the medicine by mistake.
  
• ◑ ALWAYS ask if the medicine might disagree with alcohol, coffee or over-the-counter medicines. Make sure you explain what you do for a living if you are exposed to chemicals in the workplace as well.
  
• ◑ ALWAYS ask if addiction or dependence are possible.
  
• ◑ NEVER keep unwanted medicines. They may have a limited shelf-life and you shouldn’t attempt to start your own pharmacy. Take them back to a pharmacist for proper disposal. Do NOT throw them down the sink or toilet.