Drug Interactions

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KEY POINTS

• A drug interaction is a change in the way that a medicine works when your child takes it with another medicine. Alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact with your child’s medicines.
• Keep a list of your child’s medicines with you. Tell your child's healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the prescription and nonprescription medicines, natural remedies, vitamins, and supplements your child takes.
• Check for drug interactions any time that your child’s medicines change. Try to get all of your child’s prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your child’s medicines are safe to take together.

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What is a drug interaction?

A drug interaction is a change in the way that a medicine works when your child takes it with another medicine. Alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact with your child’s medicines. Some prescription and nonprescription medicines may have a drug interaction when taken together.

A drug interaction may cause an unexpected side effect:

• The drug may not work as well as it should.
• The drug’s effect may be increased.
• Your child may have different side effects.

Higher doses of medicine can sometimes cause more side effects.

What is the cause?

Any time your child takes a new medicine there is a chance it will interact with other medicines your child takes. To avoid problems, tell your child's healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the prescription and nonprescription medicines, natural remedies, vitamins, and supplements your child takes.

How can I prevent drug interactions?

• Keep medicines in their original containers. Follow the directions that come with your child’s medicine, including information about foods or drinks. Ask for written information to take home. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you need information in a different language or larger type.
• Make sure you know how and when your child should take medicine. Make sure that your child does not take more or less than your child is supposed to take.
• Keep a list of your child’s medicines with you. Check for drug interactions any time that your child’s medicines change. Try to get all of your child’s prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your child’s medicines are safe to take together.
• Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects your child’s medicines may cause and what you should do if your child has side effects.

If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.