Know your mix of medicines
IN modern medicine, it is common for many people to take some form of prescribed drugs to treat illnesses and other medical conditions. In this article, the term “drugs” refers to medicines intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease, and not the illegal substance that can cause addiction.
Consumption of such medicine may be short-term or long-term, depending on the treatment duration. Did you know that certain drugs have the potential to interact with other drugs, causing side effects or reduced effectiveness of the drug?
Monash University Malaysia School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology professor, Prof Gan Siew Hua explains: “When taking drugs, you may also be consuming other drugs, vitamins, minerals and other common foods and beverages. It is important to note that some drugs when taken together with food, vitamin, or supplements, may result in drug interactions which could sometimes be harmful to the body.
“Drug interaction happens when two or more drugs which are taken at the same time react with one another – either in a good or bad way.
“Good interactions happen when a drug is able to reduce the side effects or increase the therapeutic effect of other drugs when both are taken together.
“On the other hand, bad interactions occur when the therapeutic effect of the drug is reduced or creates a dangerous effect.”
Besides interaction with other drugs, drug interaction may also occur with general drugs or those bought over the counter, herbal medicine and even certain food and drinks.
“Something as common as a painkiller such as aspirin may react with vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It is also advisable to be alert if you are taking minerals such as zinc and iron. Some cholesterol-lowering medication can reduce iron absorption.
“So, if you are taking iron supplements to treat anaemia, the iron may not be absorbed into the body,” Prof Gan elaborated.
She further explained that similar interactions could happen between iron and certain medications used to treat ulcers or other stomach problems.
Prof Gan advised users to space out the interval between the consumption of the mineral supplements and antibiotics.
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for bacterial infections. Yet, one should be cautious not to mix selected antibiotics with other drugs for fear of reducing the effect of the antibiotics.
Another instance that needs highlighting is drugs for high blood pressure, heart conditions and stroke, which are often consumed for a long period of time. Precaution should be taken when these drugs are taken with other drugs.
“Patients who are consuming blood-thinning drugs should take note never to consume some of these drugs together with aspirin (paracetamol), commonly known as Panadol.
“Paracetamol, especially if taken more than the recommended dose, can increase the risk of excessive bleeding, resulting in nose or gum bleeding, increased bruising or the presence of blood in the stools,” said Prof Gan.
She also explained that those consuming sedatives or sleeping pills such as alprazolam, diazepam and midazolam should be cautious when mixing them with other types of drugs. This is because the drowsiness effect may be increased when it interacts with other drugs. These include antifungals, gastric drugs, antibiotics and allergy drugs from the antihistamine group.
Users must also be cautious of possible negative reactions with certain epilepsy drugs when consumed together with a type of gastric drug and with different types of antibiotics. The side effects include excessive sleepiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, difficulty in sleeping and allergies.
The same awareness is encouraged for drug interactions with contraceptive pills and pills for impotence or erectile dysfunction.
“Women taking contraceptive pills should take note that certain drugs can reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives. So, do take note not to take these together or you may suddenly find that you are pregnant.
Seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist if you are adding new drugs to your daily regime,” she cautioned.
In Prof Gan’s book Tips on Using Common Medicines Safely, there is a table listing bad drug interactions that one should be cautious of when consuming drugs with other drugs. Interactions, although possible, may not necessarily occur in all individuals since drug interaction varies from one person to another.
Whenever you are prescribed medicine, it is highly advisable to inform your doctor or pharmacist of the full range of drugs and supplements you are currently taking to avoid any negative side effects.
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Whenever you are prescribed medicine, it is advisable to inform your doctor or pharmacist of the full range of drugs and supplements you are currently taking to avoid any negative side effects.