What are the efficacy and side effects of compound glycyrrhizin tablets?

Generally, the effects of Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets include anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antiviral actions, improvement of respiratory function, and liver protection. Possible side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, water and sodium retention, potassium loss, generalized weakness and pain, and endocrine changes. If discomfort occurs after taking this medication, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Therapeutic Effects

1. Anti-inflammatory: Glycyrrhizin, an active component in Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets, has significant anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce inflammation and swelling and relieve pain.

2. Anti-allergic: The glycyrrhizin contained in Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets can inhibit local allergic necrotic reactions, thereby providing an anti-allergic effect.

3. Antiviral: Glycyrrhizin in the tablets can block viral replication and transmission, enhance the body's antiviral capacity, and help prevent and treat viral infections such as influenza.

4. Improvement of Respiratory Function: This medication can dilate bronchial tubes, improve airway patency, and increase lung capacity. Therefore, when used as prescribed, it helps enhance respiratory function.

5. Liver Protection: Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets can inhibit carbon tetrachloride, a substance that causes hepatocyte damage, and promote hepatocyte proliferation, thus exerting a protective effect on the liver.

II. Side Effects

1. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: The drug may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing mucosal irritation after administration, leading to digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

2. Water and Sodium Retention: Glycyrrhizin in the drug can stimulate the secretion of adrenal corticosteroids, increasing reabsorption of water and sodium ions, resulting in systemic water and sodium retention. This may lead to symptoms such as hypertension and edema, placing additional strain on the cardiovascular system.

3. Potassium Loss: Long-term use of Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets may affect the kidney's ability to excrete potassium ions, potentially causing hypokalemia, with symptoms such as muscle weakness and arrhythmias.

4. Generalized Weakness and Pain: Some patients may experience generalized weakness after using Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets, and others may develop pain in the limbs.

5. Endocrine Changes: The medication may alter hormonal levels in the body. Prolonged use may easily lead to endocrine disorders, causing symptoms such as dull skin, acne, and menstrual delay.

When using the above medication, patients are advised to strictly follow medical instructions. During recovery, adequate rest and sufficient sleep should be maintained, and staying up late should be avoided.