DISCLAIMER: THIS PAGE CONTAINS A GENERAL EDUCATIONAL DISCUSSION ON THE ABOVE TOPIC. IT IS NOT HEALTH ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS SUCH. YOU SHOULD NEVER RELY UPON THE INFORMATION GIVEN HERE. YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES MAY WELL REQUIRE AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT APPROACH. YOU SHOULD NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES IN YOUR MEDICATIONS, DIET, ACTIVITY, LIFESTYLE, ETC. WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING A LICENSED PHYSICIAN IN YOUR AREA.
If two medicines interact with each other, is it forbidden to take them together?
For many medication interactions, it is okay to take the two medicines together-as long as appropriate precautions are followed. This is very important in cardiology since so many cardiac medications interact with one another.
For example, quinidine can raise the level of digoxin in the blood, possibly to a toxic degree. If a person who takes digoxin requires quinidine as well, the dose of the digoxin can be decreased. Blood levels of digoxin can then be rechecked in a few days.
Some medication combinations are strictly forbidden. An example is the antidepressant medicine phenelzine, which can be fatal if given in combinations with certain other medications.
Many pharmacies are computerized and will tell you whether or not any of your medicines interact with each other. Your physician is probably aware of the interactions and may have already begun taking appropriate action. If you are not sure, discuss the interaction with your physician.
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