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Drug
reactions are a problem for anybody but especially seniors who are on
more than one drug and have more than one doctor. Also as we age we may
react differently to medications than when we were younger.
• Drug-drug
reactions occur when two or more drugs react with each other to cause
an unexpected side effect. For example a sedative and an antihistamine
can slow your reactions, making driving a car or operating machinery dangerous.
Another example would be taking a blood thinner such as coumadin and then
adding aspirin to your med regime.
• Drug-food/beverage reaction. Example alcohol and sedatives or
antihistamines cause drowsiness or slowed reactions. Stimulants and caffeine
can cause irritability, sleeplessness and a rapid heart rate. Also Grapefruit
can interfere with the effects of many drug including cholesterol lowering,
Blood pressure and other cardiac drugs, Anti depressants, Anti cancer
and others. Also if you are on a blood thinner, some high fiber foods
can increase the action or dark green vegetables (Vit.K) can inhibit the
action. Also some vitamins can increase or lessen the action of some drugs
for example Vitamin E can increase the effects of coumadin.
How to avoid drug reactions or other problems:
• Notify all doctors you see of the medications you are taking (keep
a list in your purse so you have it available when visiting a doctor)
• Read labels while you are still at the Pharmacy to make sure you
are getting the right drug
• Understand your diagnosis
• Ask your doctor what is the drug and what does it do
• Ask your doctor how to take it and when to stop
• What signs to look for if there is a reaction and what to do
• What food, Beverages and other drugs or activities should you
avoid while on the drug
• How long before the drug starts working
• If you opt not to take the medicine because of potential side
effects or if it is too expensive…tell your doctor.
• Discard expired meds (some are refrigerated)
• Store meds in a cool dry dark place
Over the Counter Drug labels contain important information:
• Active ingredients, name and purpose
• Uses
• Warnings, When to talk to a doctor or pharmacist, what medical
conditions interfere with effects, What circumstances should the drug
not be used, when to stop taking it
• Directions, how to use it and the length of time you can safely
use it
• Other Information, ingredients that could cause allergies
• Inactive Ingredients, colorings, binders
• Questions, provides numbers to call for further information
Some problems in taking medications are:
• Vision
• Hearing (can’t hear the direction)
• Fatigue
• Illness
• Depression
Your pharmacist is your friend..if you can’t get hold of the doctor
…call the
Pharmacist.
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