People who look for convenience store medicine when sick during holidays, please make sure to see this.

If you experience health issues on holidays or late at night, you can buy painkillers, digestive aids, or general cold medicines at a nearby convenience store. Since you cannot receive medication guidance when purchasing and taking over-the-counter medicines at convenience stores, it is advisable to carefully read the instructions, dosage, and precautions provided in the leaflet. Here is an overview of the main over-the-counter medicines available at convenience stores and their usage precautions.

Digestive aids, if taken incorrectly, may worsen symptoms.

During holiday periods, eating greasy and刺激 foods can temporarily cause indigestion. At this time, many people turn to convenience store digestives. Digestives sold at convenience stores contain ▲Ursodeoxycholic acid (bile secretion) ▲Simethicone (gas relief) ▲Pancreatin (increased digestive enzymes) ▲Cellulase (carbohydrate breakdown). People with gastritis or gastric ulcers should be cautious, as taking Ursodeoxycholic acid may worsen their symptoms. If a gastrointestinal disorder is suspected, it is important not to rely solely on medication but to visit a hospital for an accurate diagnosis. Pregnant women should also avoid taking digestives due to potential side effects.

Glaucoma patients, beware of general cold medicines

If you have glaucoma, you should be careful when taking over-the-counter cold medicines. The ingredient 'chlorpheniramine' in these medicines has anticholinergic effects, which can also increase the intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma should also be cautious. If you take over-the-counter cold medicines without checking the ingredients, there is a risk that bronchial mucus may become thickened, leading to a sudden worsening of symptoms.

Painkillers for hangover relief? Not helpful

Even if you have a severe hangover after drinking excessively on a holiday, taking painkillers is strictly prohibited. The acetaminophen component contained in painkillers is metabolized by the enzyme 'CYP2E1', and when this component interacts with alcohol, its toxic effects can increase.

Sometimes, people take multiple medications without following the prescribed method, claiming that the pain is severe, but this is also a dangerous behavior. If over-the-counter painkillers from convenience stores do not alleviate the pain, it is important to undergo hospital examinations to find the cause and take the prescribed medication.

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During Chuseok holidays, hospitals and pharmacies are closed.

Convenience stores sell antacids and cold medicine, but please do not buy impulsively. Read the instructions carefully before purchasing.