Pharmaceutical drugs are comprised of very specific ingredients designed to work together with the body’s own biochemistry, to help with specific medical conditions. Most of these drugs have been thoroughly researched and tested for side effects, however, they may react against chemicals in other pharmaceutical drugs. Warfarin interactions are well documented. Other common dangerous drug interactions can happen with herbal products, which would normally be harmless if taken on their own. Some of the better-known drugs that can have dangerous side effects if taken with other drugs include warfarin – also known as coumadin – antidepressants and Avelox.
Warfarin Interactions
Warfarin, or coumadin, is often prescribed by doctors for those at risk of blood clotting, anyone with irregular heartbeats, and patients who may have already had a heart attack. For people taking warfarin, or coumadin, common dangerous drug interactions can occur with something as simple as aspirin. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding even if taken in small doses. Never take more than one prescription containing warfarin, or coumadin, at the same time.
If you are taking warfarin, or coumadin, always check with your doctor before taking any other medication, especially antibiotics, antidepressants, or other NSAIDS such as ibuprofen. Warfarin can also interact with herbal products including ginko biloba, St John’s Wort, dong quai and even garlic. It is also advisable to avoid drinking alcohol if you have been prescribed warfarin, or coumadin.
Antidepressants and St John's Wort
According to studies published in the American Journal for Geriatric Psychiatry, over half of older Americans who are prescribed antidepressants are taking other prescription medications that could be potentially dangerous, and cause harmful adverse drug interactions. Combining tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) with Catapres (clonidine) for example, could cause high blood pressure. TCAs can also increase the effects of dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine which could also potentially raise blood pressure to dangerous levels and promote abnormal heartbeats.
Other common dangerous drug interactions with antidepressants can be their reaction with otherwise harmless herbal medicines. One common interaction with some anti-depressants is St John’s Wort, an herbal antidepressant. Never take the two together without consulting a qualified health professional.
Avelox Side Effects
An antibiotic classed as a fluoroquinolone, Avelox is also known as moxifloxacin. The medical website drugs.com lists 144 medications that are known to have very serious drug interactions with Avelox. These drugs include several hydrocortisone medications, tamoxifen, warfarin, and prednisolone. The list of possible common dangerous drug interactions is huge. Alwasy consult your doctor, or a healthcare professional about any medication you may be taking and do have regular health assessments to minimize any potential dangerous interactions.
References:
Drug Interaction Checker: Drugs.com. http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php
Alldredge BK. Seizure risk associated with psychotropic drugs: clinical and pharmacokinetic considerations. Neurology 1999;53(Suppl 2):S68-S75
M. Mannel. Drug interactions with St John's Wort : mechanisms and clinical implications. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U. S. National Library of Medicine.
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