Five everyday over-the-counter medicines with potential dangers

By Dipa Kamdar, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, Kingston University

Many people assume that medicines sold over the counter are inherently safe. After all, if you can buy something in a supermarket or high street pharmacy, how dangerous can it really be?

The reality is more complicated. Several commonly used over-the-counter medicines carry a real risk of dependence, misuse or harm when taken in higher than recommended doses, for longer than needed, or for the wrong reasons. Here are five medicines it is worth knowing about.

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Five everyday over-the-counter medicines with potential dangers

1. Codeine-based…Read complete article© The Conversation - Wednesday, February 18, 2026

1. Codeine-based…

Read complete article
© The Conversation - Wednesday, February 18, 2026