Doctors Warn About the Dangers of Drug Interaction - State Journal

MORGANTOWN -- Let's say you go to your local pharmacy to pick up your prescription for high blood pressure. On the way out, you buy an over the counter pain reliever for normal aches and pains. Be careful. Prescription drugs and over the counter medications don't always mix.

"Folks with high blood pressure have to be careful with some medications," sais Dr. Diana Vinh, WVU School of Pharmacy. "Pain medications such as Ibuprofen can affect the blood pressure and raise the blood pressure in those folks."

Another over-the-counter medication for pain is acetaminophen; commonly known as Tylenol. Taken correctly, it's safe and entirely appropriate. But you need to watch out if you're taking a prescription that also contains acetaminophen.

Too much Tylenol can extensively damage your liver. So, be very careful if you're taking pain medication by prescription, that you don't double dip and take extra acetaminophen when you choose over-the-counter products.

"When it comes to natural supplements, natural does not always mean safe," said Dr. Kathy Moffett, WVU School of Medicine. "They can and do interact with prescription drugs. Even something as simple as a daily calcium tablet can make antibiotics less effective."

Your best source of information is your pharmacist. Tell him or her exactly which prescriptions, supplements and over-the-counter medications you take to avoid negative consequences.

HELEN, taking ibuprophen or any other type of insaids will raise the BP. I suggest you kep moving and take warm bathes and showers to rid yourself of the pain from arthritis. Goodluck

What does it mean when the top number for blood pressure is high and the bottom number is low but the pulse number may be higher than usual. such as 149/68 70 or 80 pulse

I am taking 2 and half mg. of coversyl in the morning 6am, it makes me very tired and unpleasent.Does anyone else have this problem?

is aspirin + cafeine can affect the blood pressure and raise the blood pressure if is taken with the lower pressure controler like CONVERTAL D?

It will be wise to see your primary physician ASAP, since he/she cannot only find out the cause for the increase in your blood pressure but, even more important, to treat it. Good luck

I am 79 years old. Very active and for most of my life have carried normal to low BP, However for the last 6 months my BP is fluctuating -mosty higher. I take 40mg simvistatin daily. Also one ibuprophen daily for arthritis. I also take fish oil and calcium. Could any of these be the reason for higher BP?