In the past, when seeking Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), one had to take home a good prescription to brew the medicine, which was often time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, with advancements in production technology, the emergence of patent medicines has made it much more convenient for everyone to take medication.But which is more effective, patent medicines or decoctions? Can patent medicines be used in conjunction with other medications?
(Image source: Internet)
Which is better, patent medicines or traditional decoctions?
Traditional decoctions are essentially our water decoctions. The ancients said, “Soup is to wash away,” indicating that decoctions have the characteristic of easy absorption and quick efficacy.
However, does that mean patent medicines are always slow-acting and less effective? Not necessarily. Broadly speaking, decoctions are also a form of patent medicine; some oral liquid preparations of traditional Chinese medicine are essentially concentrated liquids obtained from decocting and straining, which also have the characteristic of quick absorption. The efficacy of the medicine varies due to differences in the active components of different formulations.
(Image source: Internet)
How to take traditional Chinese medicine and patent medicines together?
As we all know, taking traditional Chinese medicine is the most troublesome—its administration is very complex and must be decocted before consumption. During the decoction process, there are strict requirements for the heat, water, and cooking methods. However, our hospital now offers a service for decocting traditional Chinese medicine, which is quite convenient.
Compared to decoctions, patent medicines are more convenient and quicker, easier to store, and most importantly, very simple to take. However, medical research indicates that the side effects of patent medicines may be slightly higher than those of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine is flexible and can adjust the herbs and dosages at any time, but the components of patent medicines are fixed.
To minimize unnecessary harm from medications, please be sure to keep the following precautions in mind before taking any medicine:
01.
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Follow the doctor’s instructions for timing and dosage
If the doctor prescribes both traditional Chinese medicine and patent medicine, it is essential to strictly follow the doctor’s orders regarding when and how much to take. (Because the doctor will tailor the medication plan according to the patient’s age, weight, and condition.)
02.
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Pay attention to the ingredients to avoid overlapping medications
If you find that the main ingredients of the patent medicine are the same as those in the traditional decoction, taking them together may lead to medication duplication, resulting in excessive dosages, which not only wastes the medicine but may also reduce efficacy, increase toxic side effects, and cause adverse reactions such as sedimentation.
03.
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Avoid blind and long-term use
Do not mistakenly believe that patent medicines and decoctions are free of side effects. Remember that “All medicines have some toxicity; there are no absolutely safe drugs.” Compared to Western medicines, their side effects may be relatively smaller, but that does not mean they are completely free of side effects. Long-term use may lead to cumulative toxicity.
04.
BINHAI HOSPITAL
Avoid using medications based on experience or self-medication.
It is crucial to know that one should not use medications indiscriminately without a clear diagnosis, nor should one follow trends in medication use. Many people rely on their past experiences and purchase traditional Chinese medicine without proper diagnosis, which is incorrect. Most people have not received professional training in TCM theory and lack the ability to differentiate when selecting patent medicines and herbs, which may lead to adverse consequences due to incompatible combinations.
Materials compiled from: Internet
Contact Information and Transportation Routes
1、Contact: 18698075626 (same as WeChat or scan the QR code below for consultation)
2、Currently, our hospital’s outpatientconsultation hours are:
08:00—17:00
(Open all year round)
3、 Transportation routes:
Subway:
Line 5— Exit B of Southwest Building “Guangdong Road”, turn left and walk straight for 50 meters to reach.
Bus:
West Building Station—657, 697, 803, 866, 953, 954, 175, 604, 606, 619, 632, Sightseeing Line 1 get off and you will arrive
Southwest Building Station—48, 95, 175, 698, 835, 855, 872, 908, 963 routes get off and walk east along the embankment road to the traffic light intersection, turn left and walk straight for 100 meters to reach
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