The Dangers of Taking Medication Without The Correct Dosage
Paracelsus, a Swiss-German physician, alchemist, and chemist from the 16th century (1493–1541), is widely recognized as a pioneer of modern toxicology through his well known statement, “All things are poison and nothing is without poison only the dose determines that something is not a poison.”
This statement emphasizes that every substance can essentially become poisonous when used in an improper amount. This principle is highly relevant to medication use, as medicines that are intended to provide therapeutic effects can instead endanger health when consumed in excessive amounts, insufficient amounts, or doses that do not follow recommendations.
Therefore, understanding the importance of proper dosage is essential to ensure that medications remain safe, effective, and do not become harmful to the body.
Why Is Medication Dosage So Important?
Medicines are designed to produce specific effects on the body in predetermined amounts. Drug dosages are usually adjusted based on age, body weight, health condition, organ function, and the severity of the disease. When used correctly, medications can work optimally to support the healing process. However, when consumed excessively or in insufficient amounts, their effects may become dangerous or ineffective.
Many people still believe that taking more medicine will speed up recovery. In reality, this assumption is incorrect. Using medication outside the recommended dosage guidelines can increase the risk of poisoning, organ damage, allergic reactions, and even serious complications.
Risks of Taking Medication Beyond the Recommended Dose
One common example is the use of pain relievers containing Paracetamol. Paracetamol is one of the most widely used medicines worldwide. It is generally considered safe and can be used by children as young as one month old as well as pregnant women. However, excessive consumption may cause severe liver damage. In many countries, paracetamol overdose is one of the most common causes of serious poisoning cases.
In addition, improper antibiotic use has become a global health concern. Many people stop taking antibiotics once they feel better, even though the bacteria causing the infection may not have been completely eliminated. This habit can trigger antibiotic resistance, a condition in which bacteria become resistant to medications.
As a result, infections become more difficult to treat and may require stronger medications in the future. World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the top ten global public health threats each year and a major cause of death worldwide.
Not only chemical medicines, but herbal remedies and dietary supplements may also pose risks when used excessively. Some herbal products can affect liver and kidney function or interact with other medications when consumed without proper supervision. Therefore, the label “natural” does not always mean safe for unlimited use.
How to Use Medicines Safely
To prevent risks caused by incorrect dosages, people should practice responsible medication use. Some simple steps include:
- Reading the instructions before taking medication.
- Following the dosage recommended by doctors or pharmacists.
- Avoiding doubling the dose after missing a dose.
- Using proper measuring devices for liquid medicines.
- Avoiding the use of someone else’s medication.
- Consulting healthcare professionals if side effects occur.
Medicines provide significant benefits in healthcare, but they must be used appropriately and responsibly. The principle introduced by Paracelsus centuries ago remains relevant today the dose determines whether a substance becomes a remedy or a poison.
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IML Testing & Research is ready to help you validate dosage accuracy, active ingredient consistency, and pharmaceutical product formula safety through internationally recognized testing methods accepted by BPOM RI. Consult your pharmaceutical product testing needs today because an unvalidated dosage is not just a regulatory risk, it is a real threat to patient safety.
Author: Jihan
Editor: Alphi
References
Chidiac, A. S., Buckley, N. A., Noghrehchi, F., & Cairns, R. (2023). Paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose and hepatotoxicity: mechanism, treatment, prevention measures, and estimates of burden of disease. Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology, 19(5), 297–317.
Gantenbein, U. L. (2017). Poison and its dose. Toxicology in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, 1–10.
World Health Organization. (2023). Antimicrobial resistance.
