Lloydspharmacy.com Health - Taking medication

Reviewed by Christine Clark, pharmacist

Is medication safe?

Before any type of medication can be sold in Britain, it needs to pass rigorous safety checks to make sure that it is suitable for use. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regulates the safety aspects of medicines and investigates side effects arising from them.

However, all medications still have the potential to cause adverse effects if they are used in conditions or by people for whom they were not intended, or if they are 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 for others this is less important. 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.

Drowsiness caused by certain medications is made worse by alcohol. Therefore, alcohol should not be consumed while taking medication with this side effect. This will be stated on the label.
Medication administered to combat alcoholism can cause severe reactions if consumed at the same time as even very small amounts of alcohol.
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.

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.
If medicines that can have similar side effects are taken together, there may also be a chance that the side effects will be additive.

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 or pharmacist 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.

Based on a text by Dr John Teilman Larsen

Last updated 27.08.2009