Opposition: Medicines with active ingredients that have opposite effects on your body can interact. This may reduce the effectiveness of 1 or both medicines. For example, OTC decongestants may raise your blood pressure.
What are the risks of OTC medicines?
OTC Medicines: Know Your Risks and Reduce Them 1 Side effects. Side effects are effects that medicines have on your body... 2 Drug-drug interactions. The body processes every medicine differently. 3 Drug-food interactions. Food may change how your body processes some OTC or prescription medicines. 4 Allergic reactions. It’s not common,...
Are there drug interactions involving OTC medicines?
Although this article has covered only a handful of examples, there are many potential drug?Cdrug interactions involving OTC medicines. As the use of OTC drugs increases, the potential for drug interactions involving them will only increase. The Pharmacist's Role in Avoiding Drug?CDrug Interactions: 4 key Points
What should I avoid while taking OTC medicines?
Vitamins and minerals can cause problems if taken with some medicines. Keep track of any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to OTC medicines in the past. Avoid medicines that contain the same ingredients. Check drug facts labels and avoid taking medicines that contain the same active ingredients at the same time.
What are the harmful effects of over-the-counter drugs?
There are many different over-the-counter (OTC) drugs with psychoactive, or mind-altering properties that may lead to a number of serious medical and mental health consequences if abused for the mere purpose of getting high. These harmful effects of OTC drugs frequently are compounded when they are combined with alcohol or other drugs.
Can OTC interact with other drugs?
Certain foods and beverages can interact with medicines, potentially making them less effective or causing side effects. Calcium-rich dairy products, antacids, and vitamins containing iron can all lessen the effectiveness of antibiotics, particularly tetracycline.
Why shouldn't you mix OTC drugs or use them with prescription drugs?
Combining dietary supplements and medications could have dangerous and even life-threatening effects. For example, drugs for HIV/AIDS, heart disease, depression, treatments for organ transplants, and birth control pills are less effective when taken with St. John's wort, an herbal supplement.
What OTC drugs should not be taken together?
5 Over-the-Counter Medicines You Should Never Take TogetherDangerous duo: Tylenol and multi-symptom cold medicines. ... Dangerous duo: Any combo of ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. ... Dangerous duo: Antihistamines and motion-sickness medications. ... Dangerous duo: Anti-diarrheal medicine and calcium supplements. ... Dangerous duo: St.
What is the biggest drug drug interaction problem with over-the-counter cold remedies?
Another potential problem is drug overlap. Over-the-counter products used to treat different problems may contain the same active ingredient. Unless people read the labels on everything they take, they can accidentally overdose themselves.
What happens if you mix two medicines with acetaminophen?
Never take two medicines that contain acetaminophen at the same time: Acetaminophen overdose can cause liver damage.
What happens if you take two different drugs with acetaminophen?
"So if you're taking more than one medicine at a time," she says, "you may be putting yourself at risk for liver damage." Symptoms of acetaminophen overdose may take many days to appear, and even when they become apparent, they may mimic flu or cold symptoms.
What happens when drugs interact?
Drug interactions may make your drug less effective, cause unexpected side effects, or increase the action of a particular drug. Some drug interactions can even be harmful to you.
What drugs Cannot be taken together?
Specifically, drugs that slow down breathing rate, such as opioids, alcohol, antihistamines, CNS depressants, or general anesthetics, should not be taken together because these combinations increase the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression.
What is an interfering drug?
This is when a medication reacts with one or more other drugs. For example, taking a cough medicine (antitussive) and a drug to help you sleep (sedative) could cause the two medications to affect each other. Drug-food/drink interaction. This is when something you eat or drink affects a drug.
What other medicines might negatively interact with OTC decongestants?
Some products that may interact with this drug are: antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray), blood pressure medications (especially guanethidine, methyldopa, beta blockers such as atenolol, or calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine).
What is a major disadvantage of using over-the-counter OTC medications?
Although less potent than other substances, OTC drugs still pose a risk for developing an addiction. Abusing OTC drugs can lead to health problems including memory loss, kidney failure, heart problems and death.
What are the most common drug interactions?
Which are Some Common Drug-Drug interactions?Digoxin and Amiodarone. ... Digoxin and Verapamil. ... Theophylline and Quinolones. ... Warfarin and Macrolides. ... Warfarin and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) ... Warfarin and Phenytoin. ... Warfarin and Quinolones. ... Warfarin and Sulfa Drugs.More items...•
How does food affect medicine?
Food may change how your body processes some OTC or prescription medicines. This is called a drug-food (or drug-nutrient) interaction. Sometimes what you eat and drink can affect the ingredients in a medicine you’re taking. This can prevent the medicine from working the way it should. For example, medicines taken by mouth are usually absorbed through the lining of the stomach. The nutrients from the food you eat are also absorbed this way. If you take a medicine with food but the directions say not to, your body might not be able to absorb the medicine the right way.
How are medicines absorbed?
For example, medicines taken by mouth are usually absorbed through the lining of the stomach. The nutrients from the food you eat are also absorbed this way. If you take a medicine with food but the directions say not to, your body might not be able to absorb the medicine the right way.
How will I know if I’m experiencing an adverse effect?
Anytime you take medicine, be aware of changes in your body and how you feel. A certain symptom may be caused by your illness, or it may be an adverse effect from your medicine. It may be hard to know the difference. Tell your family doctor when the symptom started. Tell them if it is different from other symptoms you have had.
What is a duplication of medicine?
Duplication: This is when you take 2 medicines that have similar active ingredients. It can give you more medicine than you need. An example is when you take OTC ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) plus a prescription anti-inflammatory medicine. Too much of either an anti-inflammatory or pain reliever can hurt your kidneys or liver.
What is it called when you take a medicine together?
The body processes every medicine differently. When medicines are used together, the ways they affect the body can change. This is called a drug-drug interaction. It happens whether they are prescription or OTC medicines. It can increase the chance that you will have side effects from medicines you are taking.
How to tell if you have an allergic reaction to a medicine?
If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine, avoid medicines that contain the same ingredients. Call your doctor or seek immediate medical help if you think you’re having an allergic reaction.
What are the side effects of antihistamines?
Side effects are effects that medicines have on your body that don’t help your symptoms. Most side effects are unpleasant. A few examples are nausea, dizziness, or bleeding in your digestive tract. Sometimes, side effects can be useful. For example, certain antihistamines can cause sleepiness.
What are the effects of OTC drugs?
These harmful effects of OTC drugs frequently are compounded when they are combined with alcohol or other drugs.
What are the two stimulants that athletes use to increase their performance?
Ephedrine and Caffeine. Many athletes use a combination of ephedrine and caffeine in order to enhance athletic performance, but these two stimulants can enhance the thermogenic effects of each other; the dangerous spike in body temperature can increase the individual’s risk of suffering from heat stroke.
Why was ephedrine banned?
Ephedrine is a harmful central nervous system stimulant that used to be contained in various diet pills but was banned by the FDA in 2004 due to potential detrimental effects on cardiovascular health. Ephedrine use can stress the heart muscle and results in increased blood pressure.
Why do people take laxatives?
Laxatives are often taken after a binging episode, in which the person wants to rid the body of food. Various studies have revealed that anywhere from 10-60% of those suffering from an eating disorder abuse laxatives, and that those containing GI-tract stimulants are the most commonly abused (Roerig, Steffen, Mitchell, & Zunker, 2016). It’s important to note that the stimulants contained in laxatives are not the same as stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine or cocaine; they simply increase muscular contractions throughout the gut in order to increase transit time of ingested food and promote bowel movements. Abuse can be perpetuated by the temporary weight gain and bloating that occurs when laxative use is discontinued.
How do laxatives affect the body?
Laxatives work by artificially stimulating the bowels to empty. With continued abuse, this can cause a range of detrimental effects such as: Loss of minerals, water, and electrolytes. Organ damage, particularly to the heart and kidneys, due to mineral and electrolyte imbalance. Possible heart failure.
Can you abuse OTC drugs?
Some people may choose to abuse OTC drugs as opposed to illegal drugs, due to the assumption that if they’re sold at the pharmacy as medication then they must be safe. Contrary to popular belief, OTC drugs can be addictive and life-threatening when misused or abused. Below are some of the most common OTC drugs that people abuse.
Can you get high from taking too many caffeine pills?
Although safe when taken in moderate amounts, it can be fatal when abuse d in large doses in order to get high or stay awake. In fact, taking too many caffeine pills can lead to an overdose. Signs and symptoms of a caffeine overdose include: Increased thirst. Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
What is an over the counter medicine?
An over the counter medication, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is a medicine that you can buy without a prescription. These medications are considered safe and effective when you follow the directions on the label, or as directed by your health care professional.
What blood thinners cause bleeding?
Blood Thinners like Coumadin ( warfarin ), Pradaxa, Eliquis, Xarelto and Plavix can interact with the following and cause an increased risk of bleeding:
Can over the counter medications interact with prescriptions?
This increase can sometimes put patients at risk for complications and interactions. Believe it or not, a lot of over-the-counter medications can actually interact with your prescription medications (and affect how they work) without you even realizing it. Understanding how OTC medications, vitamins, supplements and prescriptions medications interact is important for your health and safety.
Can vitamins interact with prescription drugs?
Many people consider vitamins, minerals and supplements as “natural,” thinking that they won’t cause any problems or interactions. It may come as a surprise to some, but just like other OTC medications, vitamins, minerals and supplements can also interact with prescription medications.
Can you mix Tylenol with Codeine?
The maximum daily amount of Tylenol (acetaminophen) is now 3,000 mg per day, so mixing pain medications that contain acetaminophen with other Tylenol products can mean that you are taking more than the recommended amount of Tylenol without realizing it.
Can you take OTC medications without a doctor?
The beauty of OTC medications is the convenience and ability, as a patient, to select a medication for your specific symptoms without a trip to the doctor. However, if you take any prescription medications, it is always recommended to check with your doctor or pharmacist before perusing the OTC aisles to ensure that it wont interact with any prescription medications.
What is an OTC drug?
OTC drugs are medications that are safe and effective for use by the general public without seeking treatment by a health professional. Popular examples include pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin ), cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan ( Robitussin) and antihistamines like loratadine ( Claritin 24H).
What is an OTC monograph?
The monograph contains acceptable ingredients, doses, formulations, and labeling. New products that conform to an existing OTC drug monograph may be marketed without further FDA review. Those OTC products that do not conform to an OTC monograph must undergo approval through the FDA’s New Drug Approval System.
What is an Rx-to-OTC switch?
Many OTC drugs have undergone a prescription to over-the-counter switch -- also known as “Rx-to-OTC switch” -- meaning they were previously available only with a prescription but now can be bought as a nonprescription product . For example, proton-pump inhibitors like esomeprazole ( Nexium 24HR) and stomach acid blockers like famotidine ( Pepcid AC ), both used for heartburn, are examples of products that have made the Rx-to-OTC switch. The emergency contraceptive pill (“the morning-after pill”) known as Plan B One Step is now available OTC without age restriction and can be found on the shelves in many pharmacies in the U.S.
Are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs safe to use?
Over-the-counter medications can still carry a risk, even though they do not require a prescription. There is the possibility of side effects, drug interactions, or harm due to excessive doses. Consumers should read the “Drug Facts” label that is found on all OTC products. All patients should consult with their doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider if they have additional questions concerning OTC drug use. Pregnant women should speak with their doctor before taking any medication, vitamin, or herbal supplement, even if it's an OTC product.
Is naloxone an OTC?
These products, while considered OTC, are kept behind the pharmacy counter and are dispensed by a pharmacist. Some products, such as pseudoephedrine ( Sudafed ), which is subject to abuse, may require proper identification and a signature. Naloxone is a life-saving drug that can reverse sedation and depressed breathing in an opioid-overdose.
Can a pharmacist dispense naloxone?
Naloxone is a life-saving drug that can reverse sedation and depressed breathing in an opioid-overdose. In all states, pharmacists are now allowed to dispense naloxone ( Nar can Nasal, Nar can) to the public based on a standing prescription order or other rules specific to their state.
Does the FDA review over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?
The review of OTC medications is primarily handled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Division of Drug Information (CDER), the Office of Drug Evaluation, and the Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee. These teams evaluate and review OTC ingredients and labels. An OTC drug monograph is established for each class of product. The monograph contains acceptable ingredients, doses, formulations, and labeling. New products that conform to an existing OTC drug monograph may be marketed without further FDA review. Those OTC products that do not conform to an OTC monograph must undergo approval through the FDA’s New Drug Approval System.
How to treat OTC abuse?
Treatment for OTC medication abuse would generally follow the same protocol as treatment for other drugs of abuse, such as prescription medications and illicit drugs. One important consideration is to adjust the treatment protocol to fit the needs of the individual. Since many individuals who abuse OTC medications are young, there are number of adjustments to the care plan that may help to increase the overall effectiveness of treatment.
How old do you have to be to abuse OTC?
The abuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medications is particularly problematic because a large number of individuals under age 26 abuse these substances, and of course, many OTC drugs are easily obtained. According to an article in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, individuals who use over-the-counter medications tend to: ...
What is the number to call for addiction treatment?
If your abuse of OTC medications is causing health problems or difficulties in your personal or professional life, call. (888) 966-8152.
What are the effects of DXM?
A number of other serious effects can occur as a result of DXM abuse, such as liver damage (Often, DXM is sold in product that is a combination of DXM and acetaminophen, which is known to produce liver damage at high doses.), brain damage, and the development of a significant substance use disorder.
What does DEA stand for in drug abuse?
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists the effects by dosage and separates them by what it terms as “plateaus of abuse.”
Does DXM cause withdrawal syndrome?
DXM does not appear to produce significant withdrawal syndromes in individuals who abuse it; however, individuals who have abused the drug for significant periods of time may experience a number of emotional and psychological issues if they attempt to discontinue use abruptly.
Does NoDoz contain caffeine?
A number of energy products contain mild stimulants, and many of these contain high amounts of caffeine. Various OTC medications, such as NoDoz, contain caffeine, and individuals taking these medications in large amounts may suffer a number of problems.
What is the effect of drug interactions?
Drug-drug interactions occur when two or more drugs react with each other. This drug-drug interaction may cause you to experience an unexpected side effect. For example, mixing a drug you take to help you sleep (a sedative) and a drug you take for allergies (an antihistamine) can slow your reactions and make driving a car or operating machinery dangerous.
What is an OTC label?
Over-the-counter (OTC) drug labels contain information about ingredients, uses, warnings and directions that is important to read and understand. The label also includes important information about possible drug interactions. Further, drug labels may change as new information becomes known.
What is the purpose of each active ingredient?
the purpose of each active ingredient. The " Uses " section of the label: tells you what the drug is used for. helps you find the best drug for your specific symptoms. The " Warnings " section of the label provides important drug interaction and precaution information such as. when to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before use.
What does the directions section on a drug label mean?
when to stop taking the drug. The " Directions " section of the label tells you: the length of time and the amount of the product that you may safely use.
Why is it important to know about your medicine?
If you take several different medicines, see more than one doctor, or have certain health conditions, you and your doctors need to be aware of all the medicines you take. Doing so will help you to avoid potential problems such as drug interactions.
What is the relationship between food and drugs?
Drug-food/beverage interactions result from drugs reacting with foods or beverages. For example, mixing alcohol with some drugs may cause you to feel tired or slow your reactions. Drug-condition interactions may occur when an existing medical condition makes certain drugs potentially harmful.
Can drug interactions be harmful?
Drug interactions may make your drug less effective, cause unexpected side effects, or increase the action of a particular drug. Some drug interactions can even be harmful to you.
How does drug interaction affect healthcare?
Drug interactions can also contribute to the cost of healthcare, as a serious drug interaction could result in injury, hospitalization, or rarely, death.
What is the interaction between two drugs?
A pharmacodynamic interaction occurs when two drugs given together act at the same or similar receptor site and lead to a greater (additive or synergistic) effect or a decreased (antagonist) effect.
What should I do if I find a drug interaction?
They will understand the significance of the interaction, and will be able to recommend the next best steps you should take. Do not stop your medication without talking to your healthcare provider first.
What other factors cause interactions?
Don’t forget that alcohol, caffeine, and illegal drugs of abuse can lead to serious drug interactions, too. For example, taking a pain medication such as hydrocodone-acetaminophen (Vicodin) with alcohol can cause additive drowsiness, may dangerously decrease your breathing rate, and in large doses may be toxic to the liver due to the combination of acetaminophen ( Tylenol) and alcohol.
How do I check for drug interactions?
Communication with your healthcare provider is key in helping to prevent drug interactions. Keep an up-to-date list of your medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, herbals, and medical conditions. Share this list with your doctor, pharmacist, and nurse at each visit so that they can also screen for drug interactions.
What are some examples of protein binding interactions?
One example of an interaction is between fenofibric acid (Trilipix), used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, and warfarin, a common blood thinner to help prevent clots. Fenofibric acid can increase the effects of warfarin and cause you to bleed more easily.
How do drugs get eliminated from the body?
Metabolism: Drugs are usually eliminated from the body as either the unchanged (parent) drug or as a metabolite that has been changed in some way. Enzymes in the liver, usually the CYP450 enzymes, are often responsible for breaking down drugs for elimination from the body. However, enzyme levels may go up or down and affect how drugs are broken down. For example, using diltiazem (a blood pressure medication) with simvastatin (a medicine to lower cholesterol) may elevate the blood levels and side effects of simvastatin. Diltiazem can inhibit (block) the CYP450 3A4 enzymes needed for the breakdown (metabolism) of simvastatin. High blood levels of simvastatin can lead to serious liver and muscle side effects.
