Commonly Misused Medicines in Pakistan and How to Avoid – Dawa Healthcare

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The Most Commonly Misused Medicines in Pakistan—and How to Avoid Them

The Most Commonly Misused Medicines in Pakistan—and How to Avoid Them

Aug 16, 2025

Huzaifa Mansoor

In Pakistan, it’s incredibly common for people to walk into a pharmacy, describe a symptom, and walk out with medicine—no doctor, no prescription, no questions asked. While convenient, this widespread practice can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Medicine misuse refers to the wrong, unnecessary, or unsafe use of medications, whether they’re bought over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed. In many cases, these medicines are taken without a proper diagnosis, at the wrong dose, or for the wrong condition.

From painkillers to cough syrups and sleeping pills, some of the most abused medicines in Pakistan are also the ones people feel most comfortable taking. Let’s explore the most commonly misused drugs, the risks involved, and how to protect yourself and your family.

1. Antibiotics – The Overkill Cure

Generics: Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin
 Popular Brands: Augmentin, Azomax, Flagyl, Leflox

Why They're Misused: In most households, antibiotics are seen as a cure-all for fevers, coughs, sore throats—even though most of these are viral and don’t need antibiotics. Many people reuse leftover strips or buy them without prescriptions.

Risks:

●     Antibiotic resistance (harder-to-treat future infections)

●     Allergic reactions, rashes, diarrhea

●     Incomplete treatment of real infections

Avoid Misuse:

●     Only take antibiotics prescribed by a doctor

●     Complete the full course, even if you feel better early

●     Never share leftover antibiotics with others

2. Painkillers & NSAIDs – Quick Relief, Long-Term Harm

Generics: Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Mefenamic Acid, Naproxen
 Popular Brands: Voltral, Brufen, Ponstan, Synflex

Why They're Misused: These are often used casually for headaches, period pain, or back pain. But overuse—especially on an empty stomach—can cause serious internal damage.

Risks:

●     Gastric ulcers, bleeding

●     Kidney damage

●     Increased risk of heart disease

Avoid Misuse:

●     Use only when truly necessary

●     Avoid mixing two or more painkillers

●     Always take them after meals to avoid stomach problems

3. Cough Syrups – A Hidden Threat Among Teens

Generics: Dextromethorphan, Codeine phosphate, Chlorpheniramine
 Popular Brands: Pulmonol-C, Rondec-C, Hydryllin

Why They're Misused: Some cough syrups contain opioids or sedatives. Unfortunately, they are increasingly misused by teenagers looking for a high or sleep aid.

Risks:

●     Dependency and addiction

●     Slowed breathing and dizziness

●     Dangerous interactions with alcohol or other meds

Avoid Misuse:

●     Use only when necessary and for short durations

●     Never combine with sleep meds or alcohol

●     Keep out of reach of children and teens

4. Anxiety & Sleeping Pills – A Slippery Slope

Generics: Alprazolam, Diazepam, Clonazepam
 Popular Brands: Alp, Rivotril, Lexotanil

Why They're Misused: Often taken during grief, exam stress, or sleep issues, these medications create a false sense of calm. But over time, they lead to physical and emotional dependence.

Risks:

●     Addiction and withdrawal symptoms

●     Drowsiness, poor concentration

●     Higher tolerance requiring larger doses

Avoid Misuse:

●     Take only on a psychiatrist or physician’s advice

●     Never self-dose or share with others

●     Do not use for more than 2–4 weeks at a time

5. Steroid Creams – Fairness at a Cost

Generics: Betamethasone, Clobetasol, Hydrocortisone
 Popular Brands: Betnovate, Dermovate, Clobevate

Why They're Misused: Many whitening creams or eczema treatments in Pakistan contain hidden steroids. They give fast results but can wreck your skin over time.

Risks:

●     Skin thinning, acne, redness

●     Rebound symptoms when stopped

●     Pigment changes and steroid dependency

Avoid Misuse:

●     Never use steroid creams on the face without medical advice

●     Avoid unlabelled or homemade whitening creams

●     Use only for short periods if prescribed

6. Multivitamins – Not Always Harmless

Generics: Vitamin A, D3, Iron, Folic Acid, Zinc
 Popular Brands: Surbex Z, Vitamax, Nutrifactor Multifactor, CalOne-D, Ferosoft

Why They're Misused: Many people take multivitamins assuming they’ll boost immunity or energy. Some even double doses, thinking more is better.

Risks:

●     Vitamin toxicity (especially A and D)

●     Constipation or nausea from excess iron

●     Liver strain with fat-soluble vitamin overdose

Avoid Misuse:

●     Get tested before starting supplements

●     Don’t exceed daily recommended dosages

●     Ask a pharmacist for the right product for your needs

Why Medicine Misuse Is a Serious Issue in Pakistan

In Pakistan, self-medication is considered normal. People treat symptoms without knowing the underlying issue. Pharmacies sometimes dispense prescription drugs without proper authorization, and patients rarely ask questions.

This has created a national health risk, especially with:

●     Antibiotic resistance

●     Drug dependency

●     Delayed diagnosis of serious diseases

There is a dire need for public education, stronger regulations, and more responsible pharmacy practices.

Safe Medication Practices: What You Can Do

●     Always consult a licensed doctor or pharmacist

●     Do not reuse old prescriptions for new illnesses

●     Avoid advice from friends or non-medical staff

●     Read the medication leaflet before use

●     Store and dispose of medicines properly

Dawa Healthcare Pharmacy – Your Partner in Safe Medication

At Dawa Healthcare Pharmacy, a leading pharmacy in Karachi, we believe that your safety comes first. Our team of trained pharmacists helps you make informed decisions about your health by:

●     Explaining how to take your medicines correctly

●     Identifying harmful drug interactions

●     Verifying prescriptions and suggesting safe OTC alternatives

●     Promoting responsible use of antibiotics and sedatives

Whether you're managing diabetes, fighting the flu, or just need a vitamin boost, we make sure you do it the right way.