Dependence on drugs

Recently I went to a doctor for a check up. The doctor gave me a prescription for some medicines. I went to the dispensary to buy the tablets.

When I received the medication I was aghast! There was no indication of its contents, the dosage or mention of its color. As an expatriate I was unable to communicate with the dispensary employee.

Without knowing so much of Mg, or so much of IP, how could we take it. What's the use of the prescription then. You are left ignorant.

All people should have an inquisitive nature to ask and get information about certain things. Little time is available for a doctor to check a patient. Sometimes, excessive use of drugs may endanger the life of the patient. The wise old physician Hippocrates rightly said for the sick "the least is the best".

A doctor may write a prescription stating 10 tablets to be taken, say, either for a fever or cough. But within five days or so, we feel that we are cured. In taking medicine we feel discretion is more important than adventurism. To apply discretion one has to be knowledgeable. How many doctors instruct their patients not to take tetracydines along with milk?

Taken with milk it may be as ineffective as chalk powder, according to Family Medicine Book.

In the enlightened world of today it is essential that every individual should know how much he should use, why he should use it and when it should be taken. I am not writing this to promote self medication. I think that knowledge rather than ignorance is crucial for one's well being.

UMA RAMKRISHNA

Jakarta