1. Extended average lifespan through the use of hypertension medicines
The average lifespan of Japanese people has become the longest in the world, and hypotensives have greatly contributed to this. In fact, such medicines, as well as an improved diet, have reduced the occurrence diseases with a high mortality rate, such as cerebral apoplexy (cerebral hemorrhage and infarction) and myocardial infarction, by reducing blood pressure.
Many people measure blood pressure at health examinations or using a measurement device at home. However, taking a hypotensive based on this, rather than a physicians instruction, is dangerous.
2. Lifestyle and diet improvement before taking a medicine
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines hypertension as a systolic blood pressure of 160 mm or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 95 mm or higher. This is a general guideline, and not all patients are diagnosed as such. In addition, patients diagnosed as hypertensive do not necessarily need to take a hypotensive. Because blood pressure is increased by a salty diet, obesity, smoking, evening drinking, and a stressful life, first improving daily lifestyle and diet is important. A hypotensive medicine is necessary only when hypertension remains after lifestyle and diet are improved.
5. How are prescribed medicines different from over-the-counter medicines?
(1)Difference between prescribed and over-the-counter medicines
1. Symptomatic therapy and Causal therapy
Medicines are used both for symptomatic therapy to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, and causal therapy to eliminate the cause of a disease.
In symptomatic therapy, prescribed medicines at hospitals or clinics are essentially the same as those available at drugstores and pharmacies, as both are for treating symptoms. Prescribed medicines generally provide a more immediate effect, as they focus on a symptom specific to a patient, while over-the-counter medicines do not provide such an effect, as the law restricts the upper limits of their components.
There have been many cases in which a prescribed medicine suppressed a fever or runny nose resistant to over- the-counter medicines.
2. Causal therapy requiring diagnosis by a physician
A prescription from a physician is required to buy medicines that directly attack the cause of a disease, such as antibiotics and synthesized anti-fungal agents, because unlike symptomatic therapy, causal therapy is based on the fact that the cause has been identified through diagnosis.
There are few over-the-counter medicines for causal therapy, because neither drugstores nor consumers can identify the causes of diseases.
3. Medicinal information that eliminates patients' worries
Prescribed medicines are distributed from pharmaceutical companies through wholesalers and hospital (clinic) pharmacies to patients. However, most medicinal information, including the efficacy of and precautions concerning a product, is used only by physicians and pharmacies, and is not available to patients. Less information results in more worries about medicines.
Over-the-counter medicines are distributed from pharmaceutical companies through wholesalers, drugstores, and pharmacies to patients. They provide information to patients through a statement of virtues on the package, which describes components, effects, efficacy, usage, and precautions for the medicines.
Therefore, physicians should explain the medicine they prescribe to patients. At the same time, patients should request an explanation when they have questions or concerns.
