NATURAL REMEDIES ARE SAFER THAN DRUGS

“JUST because something is natural does not mean it is safe,” warns Jonathon Clarke, pharmacist and chief executive of Locate A Locum (locatealocum.com).

“Natural remedies do not undergo the same regulation process as drugs, and so their safety and clinical effectiveness is not always known.

“They should be treated in the same way as drugs and only taken when advised by a health professional.

“And, because natural remedies can interact with drugs, it’s vital to tell your GP or pharmacist if you are taking them.”

YOU CAN’T DRINK ALCOHOL IF YOU’RE TAKING ANTIBIOTICS

“DRINKING in moderation on most antibiotics shouldn’t do you any harm,” explains Jonathon.

“However, there are two antibiotics – Metronidazole and Tinidazole – that people need to be aware of. They can react with alcohol and make you very ill.”

He advises asking your GP or pharmacist about other prescribed antibiotics as all can cause side effects.

“In general, I would advise anyone who is sick enough to be taking antibiotics to avoid alcohol because it can make you feel worse,” he adds.

YOU CAN STOP TAKING MEDICATION FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE ONCE IT HAS STABILISED

“BLOOD pressure can change multiple times on a daily basis,” warns Jonathon.

“Stable blood pressure is a good sign that the medication you are on is working.

“In some cases, GPs may recommend switching or changing blood pressure medication but it is rare that they will take you off it completely.”

CRUSH OR CHEW PILLS TO MAKE THEM EASIER TO SWALLOW

SOME medications in tablet form are designed to be released slowly over time, so crushing or chewing them could lead to an overdose or side effects.

You should only split pills that are scored down the middle. If you find tablets hard to swallow, take them with a sports cap water bottle – this creates a funnel so the water flushes the tablet down. Or ask about alternatives, such as a liquid, cream or patch.

PARACETAMOL IS HARMLESS

“NO DRUG is completely harmless,” warns Jonathon. “Paracetamol can be a safe and effective drug.

“However, if taken incorrectly, it can have serious consequences, including death.

“An adult should take no more than eight 500mg tablets in a 24-hour period and be careful not to take the painkiller alongside other medications that include paracetamol (these medications will always carry the message, ‘Warning: contains paracetamol’).

“Check with your GP or pharmacist if it’s safe to take paracetamol while taking medication for other medical conditions – for example, epilepsy.