What are the advantages and disadvantages of useful drugs?

Question

Example: Paracetamol,

aspirin,

Cough mixture

Antiseptic Solution

Throat Lozenges

Vapour Rub

Calamine Lotion

Cough Linctus

Menthol Crystals

Antihistamine Tablets

Answer 1

Disadvantages:  None them cure anything and cause numerous damaging side effects in various degrees.  The medical industry have compiled over a thousand different side-effects for aspirin alone.  More and more side-effects are emerging over time for the newer drugs too - particularly the anti-histamines.

Advantages: Drugs can temporarily suppress certain symptoms (not cure).  This could be pretty valuable if you are rolling round the floor with an asthma attack and can't breathe.  Or if you have a serious headache and yet you still have to do something important.

by the way,  I don't think you could classify calamine lotion or menthol as drugs and antiseptic solution & throat lozenges may or may not be depending on what's in them.  

Answer 2

Advantage: They cure simple ailments, and, they can save you money from having to go to the doctor for a simple cure.

Disadvantage: They mask symptoms of a more serious condition, possibly causing it to get worse.