Mr. Wang is a 50-year-old accountant who is usually busy with work and often works overtime and stays up late. He developed high blood pressure due to a long period of high-stress work. The doctor prescribed him antihypertensive medication and told him to take it on time and pay attention to his diet and daily life.
At first, Mr. Wang was able to take his medication strictly according to the doctor's instructions, and his blood pressure was effectively controlled. Gradually, however, he began to slack off. Once he had a cold, he bought cold medicine at the pharmacy and took it with his blood pressure medication. A few days later, Mr. Wang felt dizzy and palpitated, so he came to the hospital for treatment.
After a detailed examination, the doctor found that Mr. Wang's blood pressure was not well controlled, which was suspected to be caused by drug interactions. The doctor carefully inquired about his medication and found that he was taking blood pressure medication at the same time as taking cold medicine on his own.
The doctor explained to Mr. Wang that taking some common drugs with antihypertensive drugs may cause adverse reactions, affecting the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs and even endangering his health.
For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.), glucocorticoids, oral contraceptives, some antibiotics, licorice preparations, etc., may interact with antihypertensive drugs, resulting in increased or excessive blood pressure.
These drug interactions include:
1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can weaken the antihypertensive effect of antihypertensive drugs by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, resulting in an increase in blood pressure.
2. Glucocorticoids can lead to sodium retention and fluid retention, increase cardiac workload, and reduce the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs.
3. Oral contraceptives can activate the renin-angiotensin system, raise blood pressure, and antagonize antihypertensive drugs.
4. Licorice preparations contain glycyrrhizic acid, which can inhibit 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, causing symptoms similar to hyperaldosteronism, causing increased blood pressure and low blood potassium.
5. Some antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin can inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, slow down the metabolism of antihypertensive drugs, and increase drug toxicity.
Only then did Mr. Wang realize his mistake. The doctor adjusted his medication regimen and re-emphasized that if you need to use other drugs while taking the medication, you must consult the doctor first, and do not self-medicate. At the same time, the doctor also reminded Mr. Wang to develop healthy lifestyle habits, control diet, exercise moderately, ensure adequate sleep, and reduce work pressure.
Medication safety should not be overlooked. Especially for the elderly and patients with chronic diseases, they often take multiple drugs at the same time, so they need to be extra careful.
The following points should be noted when taking the drug:
1. Do not self-medicate, especially for long-term medication for chronic diseases, follow the doctor's instructions and take it on time and in accordance with the amount.
2. When you visit the doctor, you should fully inform the doctor of your medical history and medication, and provide the doctor with a written list of drugs if necessary.
3. If you need to use over-the-counter medicines, such as cold medicines, painkillers, etc., consult a doctor or pharmacist first to avoid adverse interactions with the medications you are taking.
4. Develop good living habits, reasonable diet, moderate exercise, quit smoking and limit alcohol, and ensure adequate sleep, all of which are conducive to the control of chronic diseases and the efficacy of drugs.
5. Regular follow-up, testing, adjust the medication according to the changes in the condition, and do not increase or decrease the dosage or stop the drug without authorization.
Health is the wealth of life, and we must respect life and revere medicine.
Medication safety is in everyone's vital interests. Raise the awareness of safe drug use, start from me, start from now, and jointly take care of our precious health.
What do you think about this?