When it comes to Over-The-Counter (OTC) medicines endorsed by chain retailers or chemists, it's always safe to think before you pop. OTC products may seem reliable and effective but in the long run could be harmful, caution health experts.

Take a look at what misuse of some popular OTC products can do to your health.

No Pain, No Gain

Many people tend to take pain lightly and make quick-fix painkillers routine. In time, these drugs lose their effect as the body gradually gains immunity against them. This invariably leads to overdosing and results in severe and sometimes fatal toxicity like liver damage.

As Dr. Mandar Karmarkar, General Practitioner, Pune reiterates, "Some painkillers act as blood-thinners, some induce heavy sleep. It's dangerous to pop them on your own. Only a doctor can decide which type of painkiller and what intensity is tolerable for a specific patient.

Do You Really Need Multivitamins?

Vitamin supplements are often mistaken as a must-have for good health. This is true in case you suffer from nutrient deficiencies. It could trigger health problems when taken needlessly.

Dr. Mihir Mehta, General Practitioner, Mumbai cautions that multivitamin tablets could lead to hypervitaminosis, an abnormal condition that results from taking vitamin pills excessively.

Vitamins B and C are water-soluble and if taken in excess, are harmlessly flushed out of our system.

Vitamins A, D, E, and K however are fat-soluble and when present in excess cause trouble.

"Unless advised by a qualified expert, don't take multivitamins," he elaborates.

What Harm Could Antacids Do?

The ever-rising popularity of the graveyard shift has significantly warped eating habits,  encouraged an unhealthy lifestyle and is a major cause of acidity. As a result, antacids have become habit; a bad habit at that.

Dr. Lilo Ballani, General Practitioner, Mumbai  elaborates, "Besides reducing acid levels in the body, excessive use of antacids affect the acid-producing glands. We must also be cautious of artificial antacids as the excess calcium content could trigger a plethora of diseases.

Bigger, Brighter, Better

Fading youth, a failing memory, sexual dysfunction, manic depession… yes, there's a booster for every one of these conditions.

Enhancement drugs are commonplace these days but doctors warn against them. OTC drugs like stamina enhancers, memory pills and antidepressants often contain steroids that alter your hormonal balance to get desired results.

Some enhancement drugs like antidepressants and mood elevators are also known to be addictive when taken in excess and cause further depression and toxicity once their effect wears off.

Catnap or Eternal Slumber?

Even if prescribed to you, don't take a sedative a single day more than you are required to. What starts as a desperate attempt to unwind from a stressful day could just as well turn into a hopeless addiction.

And any Bollywood fan would tell you that the worst consequence of an overdose is death.

So the next time you feel a little queasy think you aren't good enough or maybe just have a mild headache… think before you pop. Always consult your doctor; you can never be too careful.