Return to article learn to read the prescription ten important questions

Drug-Herb  Interactions
GINKGO may exaggerate the body’s response to anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents.
GINSENG can decrease the effectiveness of the anticoagulant warfarin. SAW
PALMETTO doesn’t mix well with estrogens; it can increase the hormone’s effects.
VALERIAN in conjunction with opiates or barbiturates can seriously sedate you.

Drug-Drug Interactions
ACID REDUCERS (H2 receptor antagonists) may slow the metabolism of theophylline (an asthma drug), any of the tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, doxepin), and warfarin.
VERAPAMIL, a blood pressure medication, can increase the risk of muscle soreness in people taking statin drugs for high cholesterol.
SEDATIVES and ANTIHISTAMINES can combine to severely slow your reaction time, making driving or operating machinery dangerous. WARFARIN (Coumadin), an anticoagulant used to treat blood vessel conditions, can interact with many other medications. A particularly bad mix is warfarin and any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Serious bleeding may result. VIAGRA must never be used by anyone taking medicines that contain nitrates. This includes nitroglycerin, the heart drug. Your blood pressure could drop to an unsafe or life-threatening level.

Drug-Condition Interactions
SLEEPING PILLS can complicate a breathing problem such as emphysema or sleep apnea. NASAL DECONGESTANTS and BRONCHODILATORS can be dangerous when taken by those with heart disease or high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or diabetes. Many ANTIHISTAMINES, DECONGESTANTS, and ANTITUSSIVES for coughing are not recommended for those who have difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate.

Drug-Food Interactions
ASPARAGUS, SPINACH, and BROCCOLI and similar foods can neutralize anticoagulants. These vegetables are high in vitamin K, which promotes blood clotting. GRAPEFRUIT or GRAPEFRUIT JUICE interacts with most statin drugs prescribed for lowering cholesterol, increasing the risk of side effects. ORANGE JUICE may be a suitable alternative. WHEN TAKEN WITH FOOD, the absorption rate of the osteoporosis medicines alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel) is cut in half.

How to Proofread a Prescription
Before you leave the druggist’s counter, compare your doctor’s prescription to the label on your bottle. You might catch a deadly mistake. June McKoy, M.D., of the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago, tells of a patient who was given Lanoxin (a heart drug) instead of Levsin (a drug for irritable bowel). To catch similar errors, follow this prescription for proofreading:
IS YOUR NAME CORRECT on both the prescription and the medicine bottle? If you have a name such as Bob Jones or Mary Smith, make sure you include your middle initial. 
IS THE NAME OF THE MEDICATION CORRECT? Look carefully. Some drug names are similar. Norvasc, for example, is for high blood pressure. Navane is for psychosis. 
IS THE DOSAGE THE SAME as what your doctor told you?
ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS UNDERSTANDABLE? Doctors and pharmacists often communicate in Latin. With the help of the mini-dictionary included in this article, you can decipher their dialogue.

Tips for Traveling With Medications
KEEP your medicine with you—not in checked luggage.
BRING more than enough medicine for your trip.
REVIEW your dosage schedule with your doctor or pharmacist before you leave and discuss whether you should make allowances for changes in time zones.
KEEP a list of all your medicines and dietary supplements.

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