Danger of mixing medications

It is very important to inform any doctor you visit about the list of all your medications especially if you are taking several ones. So, today’s video is about this important and possibly dangerous outcome when mixing too many medications together which is called drug interactions.
Drug interactions occur when two or more drugs interact with each other, leading to changes in their effects on the body. Sometimes, they can have serious consequences especially in the elderly. These interactions can occur between prescription medications and even over-the-counter drugs.
This is the story of a patient who is a dentist. He went to a clinic for a bronchitis and was given an antibiotic. Unfortunately, the doctor did not know that he was taking a cholesterol medication which had interacted with the antibiotics and caused a condition called rhabdomyolysis which is muscle breakdown. This is a very dangerous condition which can lead sometimes to kidney failure. Anyway, he was admitted to the hospital and was given IV fluids until he improved.
Another example of drug interactions is when mixing an antibiotic like erythromycin with an older antihistamine called seldane, combining both can also cause a dangerous heart rhythm.
Another situation is when you are sick with the flu, if you take an allergy medicine called Clarinase with another cold and flu medications or any cough syrup with decongestant like pseudoephedrine or caffeine especially if you have high blood pressure. This might cause palpitation and sudden rise in your blood pressure.
In conclusion, to avoid drug interactions, it is important to disclose all your medications and supplements that you are taking to your doctor. Additionally, don’t take any medication on your own especially if you are already taking other ones. Also, it is important to always read the labels and instructions on the medication packaging and to never exceed the recommended doses.
Video shot by Galia Helbaoui and edited by Amer Helbaoui