21 Potentially Dangerous OTC Medication Combinations to Avoid

Many of us tend to think about over-the-counter (OTC) drugs as being safer than their prescription counterparts, maybe because there are no gatekeepers holding us back from using them at our discretion. In truth, over-the-counter medication is still medication and each can have serious health risks of their own but this is especially true when we combine them with other drugs. Though this list is not intended to be exhaustive, here are 21 combinations that could be especially dangerous.


NSAID Interactions

How many of us take ibuprofen, naproxen or another NSAID whenever pain or inflammation hits without any worry about how the med might mix with others in our regimens? Well it's probably time to rethink how often and how easily we take NSAIDs as these drugs have several interactions users need to be aware of:

  • NSAIDs taken with other NSAIDS can be a dangerous mix because it can increase the risks of side effects. The biggest threat is gastrointestinal damage but there are others so best not compound these.
  • Anticoagulants can add to the increased blood-thinning effects NSAIDs can cause, potentially leading to dangerous bleeding.
  • Blood pressure medications may be less effective if taken with NSAIDs, which can increase blood pressure.
  • Corticosteroids increase the risks of gastrointestinal bleeding and damage, and this may be exacerbated by NSAID use.
  • SSRIs also increase bleeding risks so combining with NSAIDs is ill-advised.
  • Lithium can build to toxic levels in the body when it’s used alongside NSAIDs.
  • Methotrexate may also build up to toxic levels when NSAIDs are also present in the body.
  • Multi-symptom cold remedies often contain acetaminophen, so taking them with any other products that contain that drug can lead to dangerous overdoses.


Aspirin Interactions

Even low-dose aspirin can interact with medications in dangerous ways. Here are a few:

  • Ibuprofen and naproxen can interact with aspirin’s antiplatelet effects, making it less effective for cardiovascular protection.
  • NSAIDs, in general, when taken with aspirin, can increase bleeding risks.
  • Antidiabetic medications like sulfonylureas can become overly effective with aspirin, leading to hypoglycemia.
  • SSRIs, when mixed with aspirin, can increase bleeding risks.
  • Acetazolamide and aspirin can compete for clearance through the kidneys, raising levels of both medications in the body.
  • Valproate levels can also rise to dangerous levels when used with aspirin.


Antihistamine Interactions

Antihistamines are generally safe when taken at recommended doses, but there are a few interactions users should know about:

  • Alcohol and sedatives can significantly increase drowsiness and driving impairment effects of diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
  • Dramamine, which many people use to control motion sickness, can also cause increased sedation when taken with diphenhydramine, warns Men’s Health.
  • Macrolide antibiotics and antifungals can lead to heart problems when combined with terfenadine or astemizole, two nonsedating antihistamines.


Antacid Interactions

Antacids containing calcium and other minerals can have a chelating effect on certain medications, affecting their potency. Some interactions include:

  • Antibiotics and antifungals can become significantly less effective when taken within 2-4 hours of using antacids.
  • Glucocorticoids may also lose potency.
  • Antidiarrheal medications may become ineffective with some antacids due to the stool-softening nature of both calcium and magnesium.
  • NSAID levels in the blood may increase if used alongside magnesium-based antacids; aluminum-based medications may decrease medication absorption.

Most OTC medications are safe when taken occasionally, as directed, and at their lowest effective doses. But serious risks increase with every medication a person adds to their regimen and OTC medications are not exempt from causing problems—in fact, because they're often taken without medical supervision and so casually, they may actually be more dangerous than adding a newly prescribed medication. 

Consumers should always check medication labels for warnings, and for those with existing prescribed medications, never add an over-the-counter remedy without first consulting your doctor and a pharmacist. 

Copyright 2021, Wellness.com

7/22/2023 4:00:00 AM
Wellness Editor
Written by Wellness Editor
Wellness Exists to Empower Health Conscious Consumers. Wellness.com helps people live healthier, happier and more successful lives by connecting them with the best health, wellness and lifestyle information and resources on the web.
View Full Profile Website: http://www.wellness.com/

Comments
Thank you DOVLY CREDIT SOLUTION for all your help. I got a new credit card limit the sum of $15k with positive tradeline on my credit report within few days. He also help me raise my credit score over 200 point and He make sure he delete all negative items on my credit profile. He made my life better and easy without no regrets after working with him. I’ve been able to get the mortgage loan and that has being my dream. Hit him up: DOVLYCREDITSOLUTION@GMAIL.COM
Posted by Daniel Morris
I remember in 2021, my credit score was horrible, I had so many collection accounts and would not approve for anything. I had rental debt, charge offs, student loans, tax liens e.t.c. from your credit report.
I was then introduced to DOVLY CREDIT SOLUTION by Mr. Michael who happened to be my old time friend and my credit score went from 551 to 811 within 7 day’s and I was able to get a home loan and eligible for several credit cards. I will always recommend DOVLY CREDIT SOLUTION to anyone who desires to have a better credit life. Contact him by email: DOVLYCREDITSOLUTION@GMAIL.COM Cheers!
Posted by William Hardman

Related Keywords

Wellness.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment nor do we verify or endorse any specific business or professional listed on the site. Wellness.com does not verify the accuracy or efficacy of user generated content, reviews, ratings or any published content on the site. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use.
©2024 Wellness®.com is a registered trademark of Wellness.com, Inc. Powered by Earnware