11/11/2025
"Examples of Drug- to-Drug Interactions
Anti-diabetic Drugs: Avoid beta blockers because they can increase frequency and severity of low blood sugar.
Tranquilizers, Sedatives or Sleeping Pills: Taken together they can result in an increased effect of drowsiness.
Anticoagulants: Avoid sleeping pills since they can decrease effectiveness of the anticoagulant.
Aspirin: Can increase effect of blood thinner medication, resulting in excessive bleeding.
Motion Sickness or Nausea Drugs: Refer to your doctor if you are taking sedatives or tranquilizers. The combination may cause extreme drowsiness.
Antihistamines: Question your doctor if you are taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or prescription drugs for high blood pressure or depression. They can impact the effectiveness of the medication.
Cough Medicine: Avoid sedatives or tranquilizers, since they can cause extreme drowsiness.
Caffeine is an active ingredient in many over- the- counter drugs. The additional caffeine from coffee or cola can cause symptoms of caffeine overdose (rapid heartbeat, excitability). When combining caffeine and alcohol together, the two drugs can increase the risk of dehydration. When taken together, a person also may find it very difficult to judge how much alcohol he has consumed, and the person's BAC continues to increase without the person realizing it. Use caution when combining caffeine and alcohol.
Drug-food interactions: Like drugs, the food that we eat is a mixture of chemical compounds. The food and drugs mixture can interact with each other, impacting the effectiveness of the drug and causing reactions in the body. Some medicines taken at the same time can interfere with the stomach or intestines absorbing the medication. Some medications must be taken with food while others, on an empty stomach.
Antibiotics: When taking antibiotics, avoid foods that contain caffeine, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. The acid interferes with absorption, decreasing the effect of the medication.
Anticoagulants: If taking these drugs, avoid foods that are rich in vitamin K (broccoli, spinach). Vitamin K promotes blood clotting. Also avoid onions, garlic and vitamin E since they can increase the drug's effect and lead to bleeding.
Antidepressants: If you are taking antidepressants, avoid bananas, soy sauce, and aged cheeses. This combination can cause chest pains, headaches and vision changes.
Bronchial, asthma or emphysema medications: When taking Primatene Mist, avoid caffeine. Caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system.
Stomach medications: If you are taking Pepcid, Zantac or Tagamet, avoid foods containing caffeine. Caffeine can irritate the stomach when taking these medications.
High Blood Pressure Medication: If you are taking medication for high blood pressure, try to avoid grapefruit juice and licorice. They can cause heart rhythm problems and a rise in blood pressure."
- Senior Driving Discount of America
