The dangers of prescriptions

22/04/2025

For well known reasons, I don’t rely on, or rather don’t trust, Arabic references unless they explain the intricacies of the Arabic language itself. Even then, they are not always reliable. Therefore, I turn to English references whenever possible to understand things that I find difficult, which, frankly, is quite often. English is the language of science , space exploration, medicine, and economics.

Increasingly, it is the language of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which will inevitably change our lives, for better or worse. Because of negative experiences with Arabic references, I make sure to read about how to take or use medications and their side effects in English. Yesterday, for the first time, I decided to compare instructions for ear drops in both Arabic and English.

I came across the following in the Arabic version: “Earwax can accumulate inside the ear canal, causing various ailments such as tinnitus, whistling, internal noise, ear pressure imbalance, skin irritation, hearing loss, pain, and dizziness. These natural ear drops help improve ear condition, eliminate excess earwax, and prevent its buildup. They contain natural ingredients and organic oils, such as propolis and blackcurrant, which help form a protective barrier around the outer ear canal.

This barrier indirectly soothes redness and irritation while also relieving dry skin. The product is gentle yet effective, making it suitable for hearing aid users, and can be used over extended periods.

For children aged 3 to 12 years, instill 2 to 3 drops.

For individuals aged 12 and older, instill 4 to 5 (without writing “drops”). The product should be used once a week to prevent earwax buildup.

In cases of excess earwax, redness, or skin irritation, it should be used 2 to 4 times a day for 3 to 5 days, or as needed if the problem persists.” The translation is clearly confusing and unclear.

On the other hand, the English text is clearer and reads as follows: “- For children aged 3 to 12 years: 2 to 3 drops in the ear. - For individuals aged 12 and older: instill 4 to 5 drops in the ear. Tilt the head to one side after applying the drops. Allow the drops to work for approximately five minutes while keeping the head in the tilted position. Then, gently clean the ear. Use once a week to prevent earwax buildup, and two to four times a day for three to five days if there is excessive earwax, along with skin redness and irritation.” There is a clear, though not critical, difference between the two texts.

This difference could be more serious with other medications, potentially leading to a loss of effectiveness of the medication. The English text is more precise, and the situation could become serious with certain medications. This issue requires the attention of the Ministry of Health, especially considering that, to my knowledge, drug control in Kuwait is effective. From my experience, it works very efficiently.

By Ahmad alsarraf

e-mail: a.alsarraf@alqabas. com.kw