On the Side Effects of ‘Pain’ and ‘Dehydration’ in the Top 20 Selling Pharmaceuticals of 2017

Abstract

Aims: To critically review the potential side effects relating to pain and dehydration symptoms from the top 20 selling pharmaceuticals. Methodology: The Physicians’ Desk Reference medication guide and drugs.com website was used to review medication side effects. The categories of ‘pain’ and ‘dehydration symptoms,’ were used to screen for possible side effects from the top 20 selling medications from the year 2017. A listing of likely symptom descriptions relating to pain and dehydration were first established and then used as the screening criteria. Results: All medications had side effects; 100% (20/20) of the top selling medications caused pain as a potential side effect and 95% (19/20) caused symptoms related to dehydration as a potential side effect. Conclusion: All medications have multiple potential side effects, and it is alarming that virtually 100% of the top 20 selling drugs may cause both pain and symptoms of dehydration. Since co-morbidities are very prevalent among ailing patients, pain syndromes and symptoms related to dehydration likely progress because of continued use of top pharmaceuticals. It is recommended that physicians routinely practice poly-de-prescribing and practice the simple prescription of physiologic treatments such as ‘drink more water’ and ‘drink less alcohol/caffeine.’