10 must-know drug interactions for every Pharmacy Technician... a Drug interaction is the reaction that occurs when two drugs are taken together. Some effects can be very severe and even lead to death.
However, not all drug interactions result in negative effects, for example, Ritonavir and other HIV drugs.
Ritonavir is not used to treat the condition directly, but it is used to inhibit liver enzymes that metabolize other HIV drugs, Ritonavir is used to boost the effects of other HIV drugs (protease inhibitors)
As a pharmacy technician, you have a major role to play in patient safety by ensuring prescriptions are correctly processed and also recognizing potential drug interactions.
In this article, we will be looking at the negative effects of some common drug interactions you should know as a pharmacy technician.
Without further ado, let’s delve in
Types of Drug Interactions Drug-Drug Interaction; This occurs when two drugs are taken together, and one affects the effect of the other.
Drug-Food Interaction: This happens when foods or drinks affect the effect of a drug if they are taken together.
Drug-Disease Interaction: This happens when a drug causes a negative effect on someone due to underlying health conditions. For instance, beta-blockers work for patients with heart disease, but they may cause harm and worsen asthma patients.
Now, moving on, let’s look at some common drug interactions.
10 Common Drug Interactions
1. ACE Inhibitors such as Lisinopril with potassium supplements
ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril are used to treat high blood pressure. While potassium supplements are taken in the case of potassium deficiency. Taking both together can lead to electrolyte imbalance or hyperkalemia.
Always watch out for possible drug interactions while processing prescriptions.
.
2. Statins and Grapefruit juice
Statins such as Atorvastatin, and Simvastatin can lead to muscle pain and aches when co-administered with grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice affects the enzyme that controls statin metabolism. Taking them together can lead to some side effects like muscle pain.
.
3. Anti-Platelets, NSAIDS, and Anti-Coagulant Drugs
Anti-platelets such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs like aspirin, and anticoagulants such as warfarin on their own can increase the risk of bleeding. Now, taking two of any of these drugs can lead to a greater increase in the risk of leading.
.
4. Multivalent ions + Levothyroxine, Fluoroquinolones, Bisphosphonates, and Tetracyclines.
When multivalent ions such as calcium, magnesium, and iron reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine, fluoroquinolones (such as Ciprofloxacin), Bisphosphonates, and tetracyclines.
They should never be administered together because it will reduce their potency.
.
5. Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers
Even though both drugs are antihypertensive, however, it should never be co-administered because the combination can lead to a slow heart rate and increase the risk of heart failure.
.
6. Broad Spectrum antibiotics and Warfarin
Broad-spectrum antibiotics such as penicillin and cephalosporin increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin and kill the gut flora as well.
.
7. Digoxin and Loop or thiazide diuretics
Using loop (furosemide) and thiazide (hydrochlorothiazide) diuretics can lead to Digoxin toxicity in the blood. Therefore, as a pharmacy technician, you should always double-check the prescription while processing it to avoid drug interactions
.
8. Aminoglycosides and loop diuretics
Taking Aminoglycosides such as gentamycin together with loop diuretics can result in ototoxicity and kidney damage.
Always watch out for both drugs in the prescription to save patients from suffering serious adverse effects.
.
9. Corticosteroids and NSAIDs
Corticosteroids such as prednisolone and hydrocortisone when taken with NSAIDs increase the risk of peptic ulceration and Gastrointestinal bleeding. Always avoid administering both together at the same time to the patient.
.
10. Omeprazole and Clopidogrel
Omeprazole reduces the anti-platelet effects of clopidogrel. Taking them together can reduce the effectiveness of the drugs.
.
Wrapping up
The mission of the pharmacy profession is to ensure the best and safest practices for patients. Patient safety is the most important thing. Even though it is the legal duty of pharmacists to give the final check and warn against potential drug interaction. However, as a pharmacy technician should also know and be able to identify potential drug interactions.
So, consider learning more about the pharmacology of drugs and drug interactions.
10 Must-Know Drug Interactions for Every Pharmacy Technician written by Faruq Niniola.
.
Got Questions! [email protected]
.
Find the Best Digital Educational Pharmacy Books Now!
Get Resume and Career Coaching Services Now!
Get Your FREE Pharmacy Discount Card Now: (USA Only)
Free Prescription Discount Card
Get Your Pharmacy Tech Apparel Now:
RXcessories!
Get Your PTCE Study Resources now:
Pharm Tech Study Tools
PTCB Online Course
PTCB Study Guide
PTCB FlashCards
