Drug-drug interactions can have serious consequences for your health. Learn what they are, how they happen, and how to avoid them in this article.
Drug-drug interactions are when two or more medications affect each other’s effectiveness or safety. They can cause unwanted side effects, reduce the benefits of your treatment, or even lead to life-threatening complications. In this article, we will explain what drug interactions are, how they occur, and how you can prevent them.
What are drug-drug interactions?
According to Drugs.com drug-drug interactions can be categorized into three groups:
- Drug-drug interactions: These are the most common type of drug interaction. They occur when two or more drugs react with each other or have the same or opposite effects on the same receptor site. They can also occur when one drug affects another drug’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion.
- Drug-food/beverage interactions: These occur when certain foods or drinks alter the way a drug works or is absorbed by your body. For example, grapefruit juice can interfere with some cholesterol-lowering drugs, while alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding with some blood thinners.
- Drug-disease interactions: These occur when a drug worsens or triggers a medical condition you already have. For example, some decongestants can raise your blood pressure if you have hypertension, while some antidepressants can worsen glaucoma.
How do drug-drug interactions happen?
Drug-drug interactions can happen in several ways:
- Pharmacodynamic interactions: These occur 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. For example, when chlorpromazine, a drug used to prevent nausea and vomiting, and haloperidol, a drug used to treat schizophrenia, are given together, there may be a greater risk for causing a serious, possibly fatal irregular heart rhythm.2
- Pharmacokinetic interactions: These occur when one drug alters the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of another drug, resulting in either an increase or decrease of the available drug to produce a pharmacological effect. For example, oral iron can decrease the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline), resulting in lower blood levels and reduced antibacterial effects.
How to avoid drug-drug interactions?
The best way to avoid drug-drug interactions is to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. You should also:
- Read the labels and instructions carefully: Some drugs may have warnings or precautions about potential interactions with other drugs or foods. Follow the directions and dosages as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not start or stop any medication without consulting your doctor: Some drugs may need to be tapered off gradually or require monitoring when starting or stopping. Changing your medication regimen without your doctor’s advice may cause unwanted effects or interactions.
- Do not take more than one medication for the same condition unless instructed by your doctor: Taking multiple drugs for the same problem may increase the risk of overdose or interaction. For example, taking aspirin and ibuprofen together may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.1
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medication: Even if you think a medication is safe or harmless, it may interact with your current medications. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any new drug, especially if you have any medical conditions or allergies.
- Keep a list of all your medications and update it regularly: It is helpful to have a list of all the drugs you are taking, including their names, dosages, frequencies, and reasons for use. You can use this list to remind yourself of your medication regimen and to share it with your doctor or pharmacist whenever you visit them.
Conclusion
Drug-drug interactions are common and can have serious consequences for your health. By being aware of what they are, how they happen, and how to avoid them, you can reduce the risk of harm and optimize the benefits of your treatment.
