Taking over- the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription medications together can be dangerous, because combining certain medications can increase the risk of serious or life-threatening side effects.
Taking two or more medications can lead to drug interactions. For instance, anticoagulants, which are prescriptions used to prevent blood clotting should not be taken with other blood thinners such as ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and common OTC pain killer. Taking both may increase the risk of bleeding.
Other potentially harmful OTC and prescription combinations include:
• Antidepressants and OTC NSAIDs – may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Certain antihypertensive prescriptions and NSAIDs – may increase blood pressure or increase the risk for renal failure
• Certain antidepressants and OTC drugs that contain ephedrine (used to treat congestion) – may increase blood pressure and cause heart rhythm problems
Although OTC medications are generally considered safe, they can be hazardous to our health when combined with certain prescriptions. Therefore, it is important to consult a physician or pharmacist before taking a combination of any medications.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.