Drugs you shouldn't take together

A lot of people are unaware that some of the drugs they randomly take actually interact and as such will affect their medical conditions. That is why it's good to consult your doctor or pharmacist on any new drug you are taking to get appropriate advice.

What is Drug - Drug Interaction?



When you take 2 drugs that interact. The possible effects are

1. They may end up reducing the effect of each other as such lead to therapeutic failure 

2. May increase the effect of each other there by leading to overdose.

3. Might be purely toxic and cause adverse effects.



Below are medicines you shouldn't take together to prevent any unfavourable effect to self:

1. Nifedipine and Nitrate

Nifedipine is a drug that is used for hypertension. Nitrates are vasodilators mostly useful in the management and treatment of angina.


2. Statins with Gemfibrozil

Statins are drugs like Rosuvastastin and Atovastatin used to lower blood cholesterol.

Gemfibrozil is a useful medication for the reduction of triglycerides in patients with very high triglycerides serum levels. 
 


3.  Warfarin and NSAIDs

Warfarin is a drug use to prevent blood clotting while NSAIDS are the popular drugs used for pain like Aspirin, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen etc


4. Frusemide and Gentamycin 

Frusemide is a loop diuretic used in cases of hypertension and edema. Whereas Gentamycin is an antibiotic.


5.  Omeprazole and Clopidogrel

Omeprazole is used in management of Ulcers, heartburn, esophagitis etc while Clopidogrel is an anti-platelet meaning it prevents blood clotting.


6. Potassium Sparing Diuretics and ACE inhibitors

Potassium Sparing Diuretics (e.g spironolactone, triamterene) are mostly used in cases of hypertension as well as ACE inhibitors ( e.g Lisinopril).

NOTE:

This is not an exhaustive list of all the drugs that interact , but a tip of the iceberg.

Conclusion 

These interactions tend to have synergistic or antagonistic effects and such should be avoided together. If they must be taken they should be spaced out ( between hours, days or even weeks).

____________________

Thanks for reading. 

Feel free to comment below of you have any questions, regarding drug interactions.

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