Let's Learn About Medication Interaction

Let’s learn about medication interaction

 

What’s really in the medications that you take? And how do those medications interact with each other? One of the best things you can do for your health is take the time to understand how your various medications affect each other, and your overall wellbeing.

 

What does “medication interaction” mean?

Simply put, medication interaction is how the effects of one drug/medication is impacted by the presence of another drug, food, drink, or even a vitamin supplement. These interactions can up your risk of side-effects, minimise the effectiveness of your medications, or, in some cases, lead to severe health complications. One of the most misunderstood factors about medication is the dosage. Knowing how and when to take your medication can help you avoid medication interaction.

 

Here’s a handy breakdown of these interactions.

  • Drug + drug: When two or more medications interfere with each other’s effects.
  • Drug + food: When specific foods or drinks affect how a medication is absorbed or processed.
  • Drug + supplement: When herbal remedies or dietary supplements change how your medication works.
  • Drug + health condition: When your health condition (such as diabetes) interferes with the action of a medication.

One of the contributing elements of medication interaction is that it can happen in everyday, relatively common situations. For example, you may have a headache and take a painkiller. At the same time, you may be on a blood thinning medication – and when combined, this medication interaction could lead to a side-effect like bleeding. Other interactions that could be harmful include having dairy products while taking antibiotics like tetracycline, as calcium can block absorption. Even a seemingly harmless fruit could cause an issue. For example, grapefruit may increase statin levels in the bloodstream, potentially causing muscle damage or liver problems, while herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort could reduce the effectiveness of prescriptions such as birth control pills or antidepressants. Does medication interaction really matter? The side-effects stemming from medication interactions could be mild or serious enough to be life-threatening. For example, they can reduce a drug's effectiveness or cause everything from nausea and dizziness to internal bleeding or organ damage. In some rare cases, interactions may trigger unexpected and dangerous reactions, such as heart rhythm changes or seizures.

 

What can I do about medication interaction?

  • Keep a record of all your prescription drugs, OTC medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Share it with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • When you are given a new medication by your doctor, ask all the necessary questions. “Can I take this with my current medication? I’m taking a specific vitamin supplement; will this cause an effect? What common side-effects do I need to watch for?”
  • Don’t take medication that your doctor hasn’t prescribed. When in doubt, call your doctor or pharmacist for advice. This is why it’s also helpful to have your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy.

 

Medication safety

If you notice concerning symptoms which may point to a medication interaction, don’t let the symptoms linger. Get medical advice if you notice:

  • Unusual side-effects.
  • Severe symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling.
  • Symptoms of overdose, such as confusion, fainting, or extreme drowsiness.

According to Medirite pharmacist Suzanne Hattingh, “The dosage of any medication is extremely important. Take care to take the correct amount of your medicine. That can make all the difference. Make sure you only use medicine that was tested and approved by a medicine council.”


Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.