All You Need To Know About Drug Interactions

You may notice that sometimes people on certain medications do not show any improvement. Instead, their condition worsens with time. They may develop a feeling of resentment against doctors or pharmaceutical authorities, believing they have failed to provide proper medication. 

In cases like this, there is a strong possibility that unforeseen drug interactions are at play. Although medications help us feel better and stay healthy, sometimes drug interactions can cause problems.

What Are Drug Interactions?

Interactions between prescription medication and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are very common. Drug interactions take place due to the combined reaction of medicine with another parallel intake. It can either be food, beverages, or any other medicine. 

Multiple drugs can amplify side effects and lead to situations where medication is non-effective. Some of these reactions can cause serious health issues. To protect yourself, it is extremely important to discuss with a doctor your health condition(s), possible interactions, and food allergies before starting any medication. 

Also, you can familiarize yourself with general drug compatibility best practices and utilize widely available drug interaction charts. 

Types Of Drug Interactions

Some of the most common types of drug interactions include:

Drug-Drug Interaction

This is one of the most common kinds of interactions that people experience. When multiple drugs are taken for different treatments, they decrease the impact of one another and mutually uplift the impact of adverse reactions. 

Cross-functional drugs can even nullify the actual benefit of medication, prolonging diseases and sickness. 

Drug-Food/Beverage Interaction

When a drug is consumed with certain foods or beverages, it can lower or worsen the impact of medication. For example, cholesterol patients are recommended to avoid grapefruit juice while they are on a medication regimen. 

The process behind this specific interaction has to do with statin medication (used to fight cholesterol) combining  with grapefruit juice. This causes skeletal muscle tissue to decompose and release harmful enzymes. There can be incredibly damaging negative effects on the liver and kidneys.

This is just one example that illustrates why it is so important to avoid any food or drink intake that counteracts medication you may be consuming. 

Drug-Disease Interaction

This kind of interaction generally arises when a patient does not fully cooperate and does not share a complete list of medical conditions with their doctor. Sometimes doctors recommend medication, but as soon as the process begins, the patient feels even worse. This usually happens when a prescription creates another complication inside the body. 

For example, a diabetic patient might be recommended Metformin medication which can adversely impact their kidneys. If they do not inform their doctor that they have pre-existing kidney issues or medication, there could be dire consequences.

Most people who do not take their multiple health issues seriously encounter this type of drug interaction. 

Common Drug Interactions And How To Avoid Them

Some common drug interactions and their solutions include:

OTC Interactions

All kinds of prescription and non-prescription medications come with a list of important information including ingredients, warnings, usage/dosage recommendations, and possible drug interactions. It’s important to pay special attention to any details outlined regarding adverse reactions due to interactions with other drugs, food, or alcohol. Multiple OTC medications can share common active ingredients. You need to cross-check all such tiny details or use a drug interaction checker to make the job easier. We recommend the following tool: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html

Drug Interactions And Food Allergies

When your doctor puts you on any medication, discuss all the details about that drug, its usage, and the recommended food intake for your regimen. If you are already on other medications or herbal supplements, inform your doctor about them. 

Prepare a list of questions before accepting a prescription. You can also make a proper timetable and a diet plan. By preparing in advance to be mindful regarding medicine interactions, you can be aware of compatible and incompatible foods/beverages while taking OTC drugs. 

Interaction Checker - Common Issues

According to the FDA, some common interactions include:

• Acid Reducers: Possible complications with theophylline, warfarin, or phenytoin.
• Antacids: Possible complications with milk products, other prescription drugs, or individuals with kidney disease.
• Laxatives: Possible complications for individuals with kidney disease or individuals who experience stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
• Nasal Decongestants: Possible complications for individuals experiencing heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or diabetes.
• Nicotine Replacement Products: Possible complications for individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease.
• Pain Relievers: Complications when used with alcoholic beverages.
• Stimulants: Complications when used with products that contain high levels of caffeine.
  
  

Drug Interaction Factors And Health Risks 

Not every drug will have an adverse reaction when taken in combination with another medicine. But the fact is that when more medications are taken simultaneously, the chance of an adverse drug reaction increases.

Possible health risks of drug interactions include:

• Tiredness or fatigue 
• Increase in heart rate
• Fluctuating blood pressure
• Stomach upset or constipation 
• Bleeding
• Broken muscles and ruptured tendons
• Kidney or liver diseases
• Coma 
• Death

Other certain factors that are likely to have an impact on the likelihood of an adverse reaction include: 

• Age
• Family history
• Lifestyle and diet 
• Drug intake period
• Certain health issues

Similar to a drug checker, drug testing is an important measure to take before consuming any new medications. At Countrywide Testing, we make it easier for you to have your own user-friendly drug test kits. 

You can screen for up to 14 different drugs, including alcohol, nicotine, and steroids. Shop now or contact us today if you have any questions regarding our services.