How to Evaluate Drug Interaction

With new prescriptions and over-the-counter medications being released into the marketplace, it becomes increasingly difficult for doctors, pharmacists and individuals to anticipate and evaluate potential interactions. Drug interactions can have a number of effects--and can result in increased side effects, decrease or increase in the strength of one or both medications or a deadly combination.

Instructions

• 1

  Make a list of all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal supplements and vitamins you are taking. Submit this list to both you physician and pharmacist because their professional knowledge, background and computer systems can detect potential drug interactions.

• 2

  Research and check potential interactions of a new prescription or over-the-counter medication yourself online before taking them. Perform a search with keywords such as drug interaction, warnings or drug index to locate a reputable search engine.

• 3

  Investigate other potential drug interactions between food products and beverages. Normal foods such as cheese, milk, chocolate, salami, alcohol and other substances can react with medications, resulting in increased health risks.

• 4

  Read all warning labels and information packets before taking a new prescription. Both sources of information can alert you to potential risks and interactions.

• 5

  Notify your physician if you experience any symptoms or side effects. These could be warning signs of rare or unusual interactions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling, rashes or other symptoms after taking a new medication. Not only can this indicate problems with the new prescription, but can indicate a potential reaction.