If you’re taking two or more types of medication at the same time, there could be side effects you need to be aware of. A pharmacist has shared five combinations to avoid
Many of us depend on certain medications at various points in our lives.
These can range from common over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol or ibuprofen for headaches or back pain to more specialized medicines such as blood pressure tablets or specific antidepressants. Regardless of the medication you’re taking, there will always be some level of caution required for safe usage.
Moreover, some drugs can pose risks when mixed with others, a specialist has cautioned. Pharmacist Abbas Kanani, from Chemist Click, highlighted five drug combinations that should be avoided due to their potential danger. “Combining medications can put your health at risk and may increase side effects or cause more severe health issues,” he explained. “Sometimes new symptoms can emerge from drug interactions, which might be mistaken for a new condition.”
“The opposite can also happen where the effectiveness is reduced which can put you at risk of not having the correct dosage for your condition.” Interactions between medicines can have serious consequences, such as impacting your blood pressure or heart rate, he added.
Abbas continued: “Organ damage particularly if the medications are metabolized by the same organs, such as liver or kidney damage can also occur when there is chronic use of interacting medications. You may also increase your risk of an allergic reaction, which can be anything from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition.”
With this in mind he shared the five medicinal combinations to avoid, reports the Express.
1. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen with blood thinners, such as warfarin
According to Abbas, this can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. He said: “Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners. Both medications affect blood clotting and gastrointestinal bleeding can occur when taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs”.
2. Certain antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin with statins
He advised that these have an increased risk of muscle damage, known as rhabdomyolysis. “Antibiotics can increase the concentration of statins in the blood,” he added.
3. Migraine medication and antidepressants
Abbas said: “Triptans used to treat acute migraines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors used to treat depression increase serotonin levels”. Too much serotonin can be known as serotonin syndrome and causes signs and symptoms that can range from mild (shivering and diarrhea) to severe (muscle rigidity, fever, and seizures).
4. Oral contraceptives and some antibiotics, such as rifampin
“Some antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness of birth control tablets,” he warned.
5. Antacids and some antibiotics such as tetracycline and ciprofloxacin
He advised: “Antacids can prevent the absorption of antibiotics because they bind to them. Take antibiotics two hours before, or four hours after acid reflux medication”
Abbas added: “You should always speak to your GP or pharmacist if you wish to take two different medicines at the same time. Having regular check-ups and blood tests will help to monitor the effects of drug combinations and if necessary adjustments to dosages can be made.”
