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Drug Interactions

Two or more drugs given at the same time may interact with each other. The interaction may enhance or antagonism of drug by another or may result in other effects. Drug interactions may be pharmacodynamics or pharmacokinetics.

Most of the Drug interactions do not produce serious consequences. The drugs interactions will not necessarily occur upto same extent in all patients.
Elderly Patients, patients with impaired renal function (those having kidney problems) and patients with impaired Liver functions must take extra care while taking drugs and should tell the doctor in detail about conditions.
In the following table potentially hazardous interactions are highlighted and having red colour and should be taken with due care only after consulting with the doctor or pharmacist.

Name Of Drug

1. Acetylsalicyclic acid (Disprin, Colsprin, Ecosprin) which is used as pain killer has interactions with many drugs some of which are as under:- 
   

• Acetazolamide:-     Excretion of Aetazolamide is reduced and risk of toxicity increases
  
• Dexamethasone/Hydrocortisone:-     Increase risk of Gastrointestinal bleeding which may leads to ulceration.
  
• Heparin:- Anticoagulant effects of Heparin enhanced and some time may be serious.
  
• Metaclopramide:-  Absorption of Acetylsalicylic acid increased so side effects may increase.
  

Alcohol (Ethyl alcohol, liquor, wine, whisky, rum, beer)

• Acetazolamide:- Hypotensive effect increases
• Amitriptyline:- Sedative effect enhanced
• Codeine:- Sedative effect enhanced some time may lead to serious medical emergencies.
• Diazepam:-    Sedative effect enhanced
• Metformin:-  Hypoglycaemic effect enhanced which may lead to lactic acidosis risk
• Metronidazole/Tinidazole/Ornidazole:-      Alcohol Should be avoided with these drugs as Disulfiram like reactions are possible
• Paracetamol:-  Liver damage risk is enhanced many fold with regular intake of Alcohol and PCM simultaneously. Taking of painkillers, to get rid of hangover, in the morning is a common habits of drinkers, but they should be aware that by doing this they are putting themselves in the higher risk zone of hepatic/liver damage probability.