These medications should definitely not be taken at the same time, study finds

It is common knowledge that medication must be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional, preferably a doctor or, failing that, a pharmacist. However, in fact, certain types of medicines whose sale does not require a medical prescription, for example, may in certain cases escape this rule.

Although taking a turmeric food supplement may seem harmless to the general public, it can prove problematic if it is combined with taking blood pressure medication. In any case, this is what the authors of this American study revealed, published on February 20, 2024, in the scientific journal Nature Biomedical Engineering. According to the researchers, no less than 58 drug combinations can prove, in the best case, ineffective and, in the worst case, dangerous for the patient’s health. A list of substances which is added to those already known in the medical sphere and which should be taken into account.

Space out taking medications by 4 to 6 hours

According to researchers, combining certain medicinal substances can pose a problem in terms of their metabolism, i.e. the transformation of a drug into a medically active or inactive process by the body. A process which takes place mainly in the liver but also in the kidneys, lungs, or intestines. As part of the study, scientists noted that certain drugs use the same transporters when metabolized by the body, which can prove problematic.

Indeed, certain combinations – such as that between an anticoagulant and different antibiotics – can lead to the cancellation of the effect of the drugs or, conversely, to an unintentional overdose. The latter can in certain cases prove dangerous since it exposes patients to the risk of hemorrhage or even heart attack. To avoid these risks, researchers recommend spacing out the intake of different substances over time: between four and six hours ideally.

Here are the combinations discovered

Here is the list of medicinal substances whose combined intake may prove ineffective or dangerous for health, as reported Doctissimo :

• Ibuprofen (pain reliever)
• Warfarin (prevents blood clots, for patients with heart disease)
• Verelan, drug name Verapamil(for high blood pressure)
• Quinine (malaria medicine)
• Ergomar or Cafergot (Ergotamine D-tartrate, used for migraines)
• Ranitidine (to reduce stomach acid)
• Carbamazepine (epileptic patients)
• Atorvastatin (lowers cholesterol)
• Levetiracetam (anti-epileptic medicine)
• Tacrolimus (immunosuppressant)
• Doxycycline (antibiotic)

With these:

• Turmeric supplements;
• Warfarin (prevents blood clots, for patients with heart disease)
• Quinine (medication against malaria)
• Doxycycline (antibiotic)
• Ergomar or Cafergot (Ergotamine D-tartrate, used for migraines)
• Ranitide (to reduce stomach acid)
• Curatil, Tegretol or Carbamazepine (treatment for epilepsy)
• Nadolol (blood pressure medication)
• Atrovastatin (to lower cholesterol)

• Lasix or Furosemide (treat high blood pressure)
• Ergomar or Cafergot (Ergotamine D-tartrate, used for migraines)
• Ranitidine (to reduce stomach acid)
• Migranal, DHE or Di-hydroergotamine (for migraines)
• Doxycycline (antibiotic)
• Digoxin (a medicine for heart failure)

A journalist passionate about social issues and current affairs, Hugo puts his pen at the service of information. Interested in all themes, from the impact of artificial intelligence on…