Commonly used over-the-counter medications can cause interaction problems with certain prescriptions. To avoid dangerous over-the-counter drug interactions, you should consult a pharmacist or doctor before you take prescription drugs and OTC drugs at the same time. People who have chronic disorders should also consult a pharmacist or doctor.
Also, normal aging changes the speed and ways in which the body metabolizes drugs. Older people tend to have more diseases and to take more than one drug at a time. For these reasons, older people may be more likely than younger ones to experience drug interactions. Professionals estimate that one in four hospital admissions of seniors result from medication problems including prescription drugs interactions. Many times, health care practitioners may not think of asking about use of OTC drugs or medicinal herbs when they are prescribing or dispensing a prescription.
http://www.myoptumhealth.com/portal/DrugGuide/Interactions+Calculator is an excellent resource for checking prescription drugs interactions. It includes interactions between prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements (both herbal and mineral) and various foods. Here is a list of possible OTC and drug interactions:
Aspirin can modify the effectiveness of arthritis medications, strong prescription steroids and diuretics. Combining aspirin with diabetic medications can drop blood sugars to dangerous levels. Aspirin can also cause toxicity when taken with glaucoma and anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) drugs and cause bleeding episodes when combined with a blood thinner, like Coumadin.
Acetaminophen can also cause interaction complications when overused. Heavy drinkers who take acetaminophen for hangover relief risk liver damage. Taking high doses of acetaminophen with Coumadin can cause bleeding episodes.
Antacids taken with antibiotics, heart and blood pressure or thyroid medications can decrease drug absorption by up to 90 percent.
Over-the-counter antihistamines (sold under the names Actifed, Theraflu, Dimetapp, Benadryl and Comtrex) should be avoided if you are taking antianxiety or antidepressant medications.
Oral contraceptives are less effective when taken with barbiturates, antibiotics, anti-fungal or tuberculosis drugs.
Phenobarbital, used to control epilepsy or used as a sedative for insomniacs, increases the body’s ability to metabolize acetaminophen. In some cases this acceleration has led to increased liver damage due.
Phenytoin, an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy, potentially could lead to acetaminophen toxicity if the patient overdoses on acetaminophen.
Alcoholic beverages tend to increase the depressive effects of medications such as benzodiazepines, antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, muscle relaxants, narcotics, or any drug with sedative actions.
Finally, it's a good idea to not consume any alcoholic beverages, or at least scale way back, when taking prescription medications. Antioxidant and beta-carotene intensify alcohol's effect on the liver.
OTC drugs are not designed to treat serious disorders and can make some disorders worse. An unanticipated reaction, such as a rash or insomnia, is a signal to stop taking the drug immediately and obtain medical advice.
Sources:
http://www.fda.gov
http://www.holisticonline.com
http://www.environmentaldiseases.com
http://www.aging-parents-and-elder-care.com
MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton, Coca-Cola and Dunkin’ Donuts. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.