drug interaction

interaction /in·ter·ac·tion/ (in″ter-ak´shun) the quality, state, or process of (two or more things) acting on each other.

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drug interaction  the action of one drug upon the effectiveness or toxicity of another (or others).

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drug in·ter·ac·tion (ntr-kshn)

n.

The pharmacological result, either desirable or undesirable, of drugs interacting with themselves or with other drugs, with endogenous chemical agents, with components of the diet, or with chemicals used in or resulting from diagnostic tests.

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Drug interaction

A chemical or physiological reaction that can occur when two different drugs are taken together.

Mentioned in: Interactions

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drug interaction,

alteration of the effects of a drug by reaction with another drug or drugs, with foods or beverages, or with a preexisting medical condition.

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drug(s),

n a substance used in the prevention, cure, or alleviation of disease or pain or as an aid in some diagnostic procedures.

drug absorption,

n See absorption, drug.

drug abuse,

n an excessive or improper use of drugs, especially through self-administration for nonmedical purposes. This term has increased significance because of the enactment of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, which replaces the Harrison Narcotic Act. See also substance abuse.

drug combinations,

n.pl the use of drugs together to enhance the properties of both to the benefit of the patient.

drug dependence,

n a physical or psychologic state in which a person displays withdrawal symptoms if drug use is halted suddenly; can lead to addiction.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA),

n.pr the federal agency charged with monitoring use and abuse of narcotics. It provides the drug schedules used to determine the addiction potential of dental drugs.

drug hypersensitivity,

n an allergic reaction that occurs after exposure to a suspect medication. It may manifest with a fever or rash and in severe cases, organ damage or death. It is classified as (1) immediate or occurring rapidly after exposure, or (2) delayed or occurring several days after exposure.

drug idiosyncrasy

n an adverse drug reaction that occurs in a small number of persons and presents no correlation to dosage or means of therapy.

drug interaction,

n a modification of the effect of a drug when administered with another drug. The effect may be an increase or a decrease in the action of either substance, or it may be an adverse effect that is not normally associated with either drug.

drug resistance,

n the capacity of a microorganism to build a tolerance to a drug.

drug stability,

n the length of time a drug retains its properties without loss of potency; usually referred to as shelf life.

drug therapy,

n the use of a drug in the treatment of a patient with a specific disease or illness.

drug tolerance,

n the body's ability to increasingly withstand the effects of the substance being used, thereby requiring larger quantities of said substance in order to bring about the desired result.

drug toxicity,

n the critical or lethal reaction to an erroneous dosage of a medication. Drug toxicity may occur due to human error or intentional overdose in the case of suicide or homicide.

drugs, antibiotic,

n.pl the chemical compounds obtained from certain living cells of lower plant forms, such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds, and from synthesis. They are antagonistic to certain pathogenic organisms and have a lethal effect on them.

drugs, antimicrobial,

n.pl the drugs, mainly penicillin and its derivatives, used to combat viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.

drugs, antiseptic,

n.pl the chemical compounds used to reduce the number of microorganisms in the oral cavity.

drugs, autonomic,

n.pl the drugs that mimic or block the effects of stimulation of the autonomic nervous system.

drugs, desensitizing,

n.pl the agents used to diminish or eliminate sensitivity of teeth, especially the dentin, to physical, chemical, thermal, or other irritants (e.g., strontium chloride, silver ammoniacal] or potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride, formalin, zinc chloride). See hypersensitivity, dentin.

drugs, endodontic,

n.pl the drugs used in treating the dental pulp and dental periapical tissues.

drugs, nonofficial,

n.pl the drugs that are not listed in the United States Pharmacopeia (U.S.P.) or the National Formulary (N.F.).

drugs, official,

n.pl the drugs listed in the U.S.P. or N.F.

drugs, officinal

n.pl drugs that may be purchased without a prescription. More commonly called
over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

drugs, over-the-counter (OTC),

n.pl the drugs that may be purchased without a prescription. Sometimes called nonlegend drugs because the label does not bear the prescription legend required on all drugs that may be dispensed only on prescription.

drugs, parasympathetic

n.pl the belladonna alkaloids that inhibit glandular secretions of the nose, oral cavity, pharynx, and bronchi. This is the main reason for using atropine and scopolamine for preanesthetic or preprocedural medication.

drugs, parasympatholytic

(per´sim´pthōlit´ik),
n.pl the drugs that block nerve impulses passing from parasympathetic nerve fibers to postganglionic neuroeffectors.

drugs, parasympathomimetic

(per´sim´pthōmimet´ik),
n.pl the drugs that have an effect similar to that produced when the parasympathetic nerves are stimulated.

drugs, proprietary

(prprī´iter´ē),
n.pl the drugs that are patented or controlled by a private organization or manufacturer.

drugs, psychoactive

n.pl the drugs or other agents that have the capacity to become habit forming because of their influence on mood, behavior, or conscious thought; may be therapeutic or recreational.

drugs, sympathetic,

n.pl the agents that imitate the sympathetic autonomic nervous system actions. They usually cause raised levels of alertness and anxiety. Various types are used in dentistry as vasoconstricters in conjunction with local anesthetics. See also adrenergic agents.

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interaction

1. the quality, state or process of (two or more things) acting on each other.

2. in statistical terms, the response to one factor at any particular level, which differs according to the level of the other factor.

3. see effect modifier.

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drug interaction

the action of one drug upon the effectiveness or toxicity of another (or others).

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drug interaction

Psychiatry The effects of 2 or more drugs when coadministered, resulting in altered effects of either drug taken alone; the drugs may have a potentiating or additive effect and serious side effects

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Patient discussion about drug interaction.

Q. Is there any possibility for drug interactions when bipolar drugs and herbal drugs are taken together. My mom is on lithium. Recently she tried some herbal treatment as it’s said to have no side effects. Is there any possibility for drug interactions when bipolar drugs and herbal drugs are taken together.

A. Herbal drug interacts with bipolar drugs and antidepressants. They interfere with different prescription drugs, which dysfunctions the treatment process. Sometimes these interactions speed up the treatment process. The severity of interactions depends upon the combination of drugs taken. These drug interactions may mimic the symptoms of disease. General symptoms include fatigue, constipation, and depression (which in case of bipolar will double), agitation. Some times they may work well in combination and no signs of drug interactions would be seen. I shall suggest you not to reoly on self-medication and take meds with your doctor’s consent.

Q. Can certain fruits/veggies make Ritalin less effective? I've heard this about oranges and lemons - is it true? How about other produce? How much does it weaken Ritalin? Will taking a higher dose resolve the problem? (I currently take 10mg morning and 10mg afternoon)

A. As far as I know, oranges and lemons don't affect Ritalin. However, taking the Ritalin with food may increase the amount of drug that actually get into your body, but it depends on the specific formulation (e.g. Concerta isn't affected by food). One that takes Ritalin should avoid alcoholic drinks, since it may cause decrease activity of the brain, and also should avoid herbs of several kinds (yohimbine and ephedra).

THIS IS ONLY A GENERAL ADVICE - I haven't seen you or checked you, so if you have any concerns than you should consult a doctor.