Page 12 - Wellness-Nutrition-pamphlets-sample

Drug Interactions Exercise - Problem Solving with Medication

Drug interactions may make your drug less effective, cause unexpected side effects, or What would you do if you had a question about your medication? Read the
increase the action of a particular drug. Some drug interactions can even be harmful to following situations and decide who you would contact, what questions you would
you. ask, and what you would do.
Read the label every time you use a nonprescription or prescription drug 1. I’ve been taking the new medication for two days and I’m suddenly sick. I’m throwing up and have hives.
Drug interactions fall into three broad categories: Who would you contact? What are your questions? What action would you take?

„ 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. 2. I have concerns about this medication now that I’m home from the doctor’s office.
„ Drug-food/beverage interactions result from drugs reacting with foods or beverages. For example, Who would you contact? What are your questions? What action would you take?
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. For example, if you have high blood pressure you could experience an unwanted
reaction if you take a nasal decongestant.
3. It’s the third day of my new medication, and nothing seems to be happening.
Who would you contact? What are your questions? What action would you take?
Don’t Mix These Substances!

Don’t Mix With What Can Happen
Antibiotic – Antacid Decreases effectiveness of antibiotic
taken for an infection Alcohol Low blood pressure, vomiting, confusion, rapid 4. I didn’t tell the doctor I was on these other medications. I think I should talk to someone.
heart beat Who would you contact? What are your questions? What action would you take?
Iron Antibiotic- not as effective
Calcium (dairy products) Reduces absorption of antibiotic
Antidepressants Over-the-counter cold Rapid heart beat, light-headedness, headache,
medicines elevation in blood pressure
Alcohol Rapid heart beat, light-headedness, headache, 5. I’ve been on this medication for several years. Occasionally I forget to take it. I’ve changed my vitamins
elevation in blood pressure, dizziness and I’m just not feeling well.
Heart medication Antacids Decreased absorption Who would you contact? What are your questions? What action would you take?
Hormonal drugs Tobacco Increase risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots
Antibiotics Increased risk of pregnancy
Pain relievers Alcohol Irritated stomach

Tranquilizers Alcohol Dizziness, drowsiness, impaired reactions