Millions of people rely on medications every day to control pain, heartburn, allergies, blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia and other common health problems.
Most of these medicines provide important benefits and are generally safe when used correctly.
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But “common” doesn’t necessarily mean risk-free.
Some medications can affect the kidneys, liver, stomach, heart, brain or electrolyte levels, particularly when taken at high doses, combined with other medicines or used for longer than medically necessary.
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Here are 10 common medication groups worth knowing about.
- Ibuprofen and Other NSAID Pain Relievers
Ibuprofen is one of the most familiar over-the-counter painkillers.
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It belongs to a group called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which also includes naproxen and several prescription medications.
NSAIDs can be useful for pain and inflammation, but they aren’t harmless.
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FDA-approved NSAID labeling warns about an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. Longer use and higher doses can increase certain risks.
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The kidneys deserve attention too.
NIDDK warns that NSAIDs can damage the kidneys when taken for long periods and can contribute to acute kidney injury when someone is dehydrated or has low blood pressure.
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Older adults and people with kidney disease, heart disease or certain other medical conditions may require particular caution.
- Naproxen
Naproxen is another NSAID commonly used for arthritis, muscle pain, back pain and other painful conditions.
Because it’s available without a prescription in some formulations, people may assume it’s safe to use continuously.
But its medication guide carries the same major NSAID warnings, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.
The goal with NSAIDs is generally to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration, unless your healthcare professional has instructed otherwise.
- Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Acetaminophen—also called paracetamol in many countries—is different from NSAIDs.
When taken as directed, FDA describes it as safe and effective.
The problem is accidental overdose.
Acetaminophen appears in hundreds of prescription and OTC products, including some cold, flu and combination pain medicines.
Someone might therefore take a cold medicine and an additional pain reliever without realizing that both contain acetaminophen.
Taking too much can cause severe liver damage, liver failure and even death.
Always check the active ingredients of combination medicines rather than relying only on the brand name.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors for Heartburn
Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, include medications such as omeprazole and pantoprazole.
They reduce stomach acid and can be extremely useful for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and ulcers.
But long-term treatment deserves periodic review.
Prescription information for pantoprazole warns that long-term or high-dose PPI therapy has been associated with an increased risk of certain fractures. Rare cases of significant low magnesium levels have also been reported, particularly after prolonged treatment.
