Deadly Drug Interactions: The Silent Threat to Drug Users

Deadly Drug Interactions: The Silent Threat to Drug Users

by Jatuporn Thong-im, pharmacist at Public Health Service Center 51, Wat Phai Tan, Department of Health, Bangkok

What is drug interaction?

"Drug interactions" refer to the changes in the effects of one drug when taken with another. These changes can result in increased therapeutic effects, adverse reactions, reduced treatment effects, or even life-threatening conditions. The severity of these interactions may vary depending on the duration and amount of the drugs taken.

 

What is the cause of drug interaction?

• Patients with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure are particularly prone to drug interactions due to the fact that they may be taking multiple medications from multiple hospitals and/or different doctors or pharmacists. This lack of awareness or coordination can lead to dangerous drug interactions if the patient is unaware of what medications they are taking. To reduce the risk of drug interactions, it is important for patients to inform their doctors, pharmacists, and hospitals of all the medications they are taking.
• The patient's own lack of knowledge can lead to serious problems. For example, when an individual buys medicines, supplements, or herbs to take on their own, they run the risk of receiving duplicate medications or having a dangerous drug interaction.

 

What are some examples of dangerous drug interactions?

• Some antibiotics can interact with the medications that a patient is already taking, such as lipid-lowering drugs, heart drugs, bronchodilators, etc., resulting in an increase of the drugs in the patient's bloodstream. In some cases, this can be a dangerous side effect.
• Patients taking anticoagulants must be cautious when taking other medications or supplements simultaneously, as they can cause adverse reactions that could lead to abnormal bleeding and other potentially dangerous outcomes.
• Taking antibiotics alongside antacids, calcium, iron, or certain vitamins can reduce the absorption rate of the disinfectant by more than half, thus significantly reducing its effectiveness.
• Herbal supplements and certain fruit juices can interact with anti-platelet aggregation drugs such as aspirin and other anti-platelet drugs, as well as anticoagulants like warfarin. These non-drug or herbal supplements may increase the effect of these medications and should be taken with caution. Garlic, ginkgo biloba, and other supplements should be discussed with a doctor prior to use, as they could create a drug-hit with these medications and increase the risk of side effects.

 

Will smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking dietary supplements interact with drugs and, if so, how?

• The behavior of patients with regard to eating, smoking, and drinking alcohol can have an impact on the action of medications. For instance, smoking can reduce the efficacy of many medications, and smokers often need to take higher doses than nonsmokers. Similarly, alcohol consumption can alter the therapeutic effects of drugs.
• Certain medications, such as diabetes medications, may increase your risk of hypoglycaemia or cause a symptom known as the disulfiram-like effect.
• Consuming certain fruit juices, particularly grapefruit juice (250 cc size), can amplify the effects of certain medications, such as lipid-lowering drugs and central nervous system depressants.
• To solve the problem of drug interactions, it is important to be aware of the potential for drug interactions and take steps to prevent them. This may include avoiding duplicate drug use, researching any supplements or herbs one is taking, and consulting with a healthcare professional before taking any new medications. Additionally, it is important to read labels carefully, as certain fruit juices, garlic, or gingko biloba may increase the effects of medications that increase blood flow. By following these guidelines, one can reduce the risk of drug interactions.
• The Pharmacy Council has created a "drug diary" to ensure the safety of drug use for patients and the public, particularly elderly patients and those with chronic illnesses. This tool is used by pharmacists in hospitals and pharmacies to track and maintain individual medication histories, and help them collaborate to guarantee the safe use of drugs.
• This medication book will contain a list of the medications taken by the patient and will be useful for monitoring and managing the patient's drug use. This information will help doctors or pharmacists to avoid prescribing drugs that duplicate those the patient is already taking, or that interact with those already being taken, thus ensuring the patient's safety. In addition to listing medications, the medication diary will also record important details of the patient, such as their history of drug allergies, any side effects experienced, and risky behaviors such as smoking or drinking alcohol.
• The Pharmaceutical Council has requested the cooperation of pharmacists in both public and private hospitals, pharmacies, and public health centers to assist in recording drug lists or issuing drug records that are paid to patients and people who receive drug services from them. This will help to improve the treatment effectiveness, reduce drug redundancy, and prevent severe side effects that can occur from inappropriate medication use, ensuring that patients are safe when using the drugs, particularly those with chronic diseases that require continual medication.
• Having a complete drug record is an important tool for ensuring safety when it comes to medicines, drugs, and supplements. Keeping a record of all drugs, herbs, and supplements purchased for personal use can help to prevent potential dangers associated with their use and promote true drug safety.

 

 

Where is the medication record book?

Patients with chronic diseases can benefit from consulting with a pharmacist at a hospital or pharmacy, particularly a quality pharmacy, which will provide continuous drug monitoring, similar to a family pharmacist. To ensure the most effective and safe treatment, it is important to keep a record of all drugs used regularly. Start by listing and noting the size of all drugs in your personal drug record today. Carry this medication record book with you to the doctor or pharmacy whenever you purchase medicine. When new drugs are added, record them in your drug record book as well.