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Reviewed by Christine Clark, pharmacist
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Is medication safe?
Before any type of medication can be sold in Britain, it needs
to pass rigorous safety checks that it is suitable for use. The Medicines
Control Agency (MCA) regulates the safety aspects of medicines and investigates
side effects arising from them.
However, many kinds of medication still have components with the
potential to cause effects that can be poisonous, or possibly fatal, if taken
in excess.
Some medication is available on a doctor's prescription
only, while others can be bought over the counter. In either case, misuse of
medication may be dangerous to your health.
How and when should medicine be taken?
Always follow the instructions carefully. Some
types of medication must be taken at regular intervals, while others can be
taken more sporadically. In some instances, the medicine should be taken
before, during or after a meal or snack. All medication should come with
instructions that will explain the correct dosage and use. This information
must be read prior to taking the medication. If you are
uncertain about how to take your medicine ask your doctor or pharmacist for
advice.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking medication?
It is important to be aware of the following information about
alcohol and its effects when taking any form of medication
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Drowsiness caused by certain medications is made worse by
alcohol. Therefore, alcohol should not be consumed while taking medication with
this side effect.
-
Medication administered to combat alcoholism can cause severe
reactions if consumed at the same time as even very small amounts of
alcohol.
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Even if it is indicated that the medication does not cause
drowsiness or react negatively to alcohol, everyone should be careful about
drinking alcohol when they are ill.
Is it safe to drive while taking medication?
Some medication, such as sedatives, strong painkillers or
antihistamines (commonly taken for
allergies,
hay fever or
nettle rash), can
cause drowsiness and may therefore affect your ability to drive. Other
medicines may have an effect on your vision, hearing or concentration, which
may also affect your ability to drive. Always read the information leaflet
provided with your medicine to see if it may affect your ability to
drive.
As a general rule, be careful about driving while taking any
medication and always check with your doctor or pharmacist as to whether it is
safe to drive. Newer antihistamines are for example much less sedating than
older types, so a change of medication may reduce drowsiness.
Is it safe to take several types of medicine at the same
time?
When taking several kinds of medication at the same time it is
important to be aware of the following.
-
They may cause
upset stomach,
changes in bowel movements, or changes to the bacteria in the bowel (this is
fairly common with antibiotics).
-
One medication can change the way another medication is carried
in the blood. This may have an impact on how effective a particular medication
is at fighting the condition for which it was prescribed.
-
The way in which one medication is broken down by the body can
be altered by another type of medication. This can have a positive or negative
effect on the body.
Always check which medications can be
taken
together.
-
Your GP should be informed about any medication you are
currently taking, as this information will be considered when prescribing new
or additional medication.
-
Over-the-counter or prescribed medication, even vitamins or
herbal remedies, may interfere with each other. Ask your pharmacist or doctor
for advice. Always let your pharmacist and doctor know about all the medicines
you are taking - including herbal remedies and over-the-counter
medicines.
What are the possible side effects?
Medication may cause reactions that were not intended. These are
known as side effects. Possible side effects are mentioned in the instructions
that come with the medication, although the majority do not last long and are
not a serious risk to health.
If a medication carries a high risk of serious side effects, you
will be informed of this at the time it is prescribed. Nobody can predict
whether a person will experience side effects, so it is vital for you to inform
your GP if there is any unusual reaction. If this happens, it may be necessary
to stop taking the medication and try a different form of treatment. Your GP
will be able to advise you whether the side effects outweigh the benefits of
the medication.
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Based on a text by Dr John Teilman Larsen
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Last updated 16.02.2005
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