Ask your pharmacist for help: Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who specialize in drug information, interactions and side affects. Be sure to tell them everything you are taking and that you want to know about potential interactions and side affects. If you are receiving medications from more than one doctor be sure to have all your medications filled at the same pharmacy.
Prescription medications generally have fact sheets that list their interactions and precautions. Ask your pharmacist for the manufacturer's data sheet if one is not provided.
Take Medications Only as Directed : Do not skip or increase dosages without your doctors approval and take them on time. Many medications generally are best absorbed when taken with a full glass of water, one hour before or two hours after a meal. Your doctor or pharmacist may suggest you take some medications with food if the medication can cause stomach irritation or upset. Other medications are best taken on an empty stomach. Make sure you find out which is best for you.
Sample Medications: Prior to taking any sample medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist for the interaction and precautions list. Treat sample medications the same way you would treat prescriptionmedications.
OTC (over-the-counter) medications. Include any medication or herbal remedy. Including aspirin and vitamins. Check with your doctor before taking any OTC! Read all precautions and interactions before taking any OTC drug. Many OTCs do not mix with medications used for RP.
ALWAYS check with your doctor before taking any OTC or Herbal Remedy.
Do Not Stir Medications into Food: Acids or minerals in some foods can alter drug ingredients. Breaking apart pills can also destroy the time released mechanism some drugs have that allow slow, uniform absorption.
Avoid Alcohol: It can accentuate or reduce a medication's effects.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Nutrients can bind with medication ingredients, reducing their absorption or speeding their elimination. It is best to take them several hours apart.
Grapefruit Juice: Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before taking your medications with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Recent and long term studies have shown that grapefruit contains flavonoids (naringin, quercetin, kaempferol). Naringin has a profound impact on the metabolism of certain medications. It appears to affect the action of certain crucial liver enzymes.
References: Mayo Clinic Health Oasis; The American Pharmaceutical Association; The People's Guide To Deadly Drug Interactions;
The American Medical Association.
