We live in a world where different types of effective medicines are used to treat many health conditions. Many of which are health conditions that we were not even aware of earlier. In terms of drug use, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2013-2016, about 48.4% of Americans use prescription drugs at least once in 30 days. It is comforting to know that there are many drug options to address many of our common and serious illnesses, but the impressive availability of drugs also increases the likelihood of drug interactions, which can be extremely dangerous for us. Know further what is a drug interaction?
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions include the combination of medication with other substances that alter the effect of the drug on the body. This may cause the effect of the drug to be much or less than expected. In addition, it can also have unintended side effects.
If you use many medicines for many health conditions and are getting treatment from more than one doctor, then you need to be very cautious about your medicines. You need to make sure that all the doctors that you are undergoing treatment with are aware of the medicines you are using. The doctor should also have the right information about the drugs, herbs, supplements, and vitamins you are using.
Even if you are on just one medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about this so that any interactions can be avoided. Do this for both prescription and non-prescription drugs. Whenever you use prescription or non-prescription drugs, read its label. It may take some time to understand this, but by being aware and aware of it, you can avoid such interactions which can be very harmful to your health.
Types of
drug interactions are mainly of three types. Let's know about them.
1. Drug-drug interactions
1. Drug-food
interactions (Drug-condition interactions)Drug-condition interactions (Drug-condition interactions)Drug-
1.1.to-drug interactions ( Drug-drug interactions)drug interactions
How to avoid it?
This happens when two or more drugs react with each other. drug-to-drug interactions can cause a variety of side effects. For example, if you use one medicine for good sleep, as well as another for allergies, this mixing can slow down your reaction and make it difficult to drive the car and operate the machine.
In addition, the drug may also interact with non-prescription drugs. Including counter medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements.
2. Drug-food / beverage interactions Drug interactions
with foods
This interaction occurs when drugs interact with foods or drinks. For example, taking alcohol with some medicines can make you feel tired and lethargic. In addition, some medicines may also interact with certain foods and juices. For example, some medicines used for high cholesterol may interact with grape juice.
Drug-condition interactions
This interaction occurs when the use of certain drugs in certain health conditions becomes harmless. For example, if you are suffering from a high blood pressure problem then you may get some unwanted reactions if you take nasal decongestant i.e. nasal decongestant.
Other interactions
may also interact with some medicine specific laboratory tests. Because of which the result of the test is not correct. For example, tricyclic antidepressants can interfere with the skin prick test, which is done to check for some allergies.
Other Factors Responsible for Drug Interactions 1.
Genetics
Many drugs react differently to everybody due to genetic reasons. In some people, due to a genetic code, the process of medication is early and in some people it is late. Your doctor will tell you that a drug needs genetic testing to give the right dose for you.
2.dosage of
Weight Threesome medicines are decided according to the weight of the person. A change in weight can affect the dose. May also decrease or increase the risk of drug interactions. If you have a change in weight, then you have to take different doses for some medicine. Inform the doctor about this.
3.Theundergoes
body many changes with age. In this, how we respond to medicine is also one. Kidney, liver, and circulation systems may slow down with age. Due to which the breakdown and removal of drugs from the body are slow and perfect.
4. gender
Gender also plays an important role in drug interactions. Differences in gender such as anatomy and hormones play a large role in drug interactions. For example, Zolpidem was given to women half-riched as compared to men, as research has found that women have high-level drugs in the morning in the system that can affect activities such as driving.
5.Lifestylecause
can have some special diet problems if they are taken with medication. Some research has revealed that high fat intake may reduce the response of bronchodilators. Which people use for the treatment of asthma. Exercise can also alter the function of medicine. For example, people who use insulin for the treatment of diabetes may experience low blood sugar levels during exercise.
In addition, smoking can also affect the metabolism of some drugs. If you start any new medicine, then tell the doctor about it so that you smoke. Even if you are thinking of quitting smoking, tell the doctor about it.
6. How long have you been taking drugs?
The body develops a tolerance for some drugs, while some drugs help their body after some time to process. So dosage can be adjusted if you have been taking it for a long time. For example pen killer drugs and anti-seizure drugs.
7. Doserecalled
dose means that a certain amount of the drug has been for a certain time. Such as once or twice a day. The same medicine can be given to two people with different doses. Only the doctor can determine the correct dosage. So do not reduce or decrease the dose without consulting a doctor.
8. Formulation
If the formulation of any drug is a mixture of those ingredients, then they are found in the drug. It depends on the Ingredient of how someone will act in the drug body and its effect.
9. Order to take
medication Reactions of some medicines can be reduced or avoided if they are taken at the right and different times. Some medications may reduce or affect the abruption of other medications if they are taken together or around the time of taking them. Such as calcium tablets may prevent abortion of antifungal therapy.
To avoid drug interactions, pay attention to these things
whenever you start taking any new medication whether it is a prescription drug or a non-prescription drug, herbal supplement or Ayurvedic, vitamins, or OTC drug. Ask your doctor some questions.
Q. Can I take this medicine along with other medicines?
Shouldn't I take certain foods with this medicine?
What are some definite symptoms of drug interactions that I should know about?
How does the medicine work in the body?
Is information about this drug and my health condition available in the medical literature?
Read Drug Labels to avoid drug interactions
Over the Counter, Drug labels contain information like ingredients, use, and warning. It is necessary to read and understand it. Many times there is also information about possible drug interactions on the label. You must read these.
Active ingredients "Active ingredients" and purpose "Purpose"
Here are the name and quantities of active ingredients.
What is used for active ingredients?
Uses “uses” in
which the drug is used for whom. Depending on your symptoms, you can choose a useful drug.
"Warnings" Warning
This section contains drug interactions and precisions. Such as:
When should you talk to a doctor before taking medicine?
Which medical condition should not take medicine?
When to stop taking the medicine?
Along with this, you should also read the Direction section, Inactive ingredients, and other information sections. So that drug interactions can be avoided.
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