prescriptions

Medicines and Interactions

Some medicines and foods can interfere with each other or with certain health conditions. This can change how your medicine works or increase side effects. Always check with your pharmacist, GP or nurse before starting anything new - even over-the-counter tablets.

Medicines that interact with other medicines

ACE inhibitors (for high blood pressure or heart problems)

  • Be careful if also taking: Water tablets that keep potassium-like
  • Why it matters: Can raise potassium too high, affecting the heart

Nitroglycerin (for chest pain)

  • Be careful if also taking: Erection problem medicines
  • Why it matters: Can cause your blood pressure to drop-sudden

Metformin (for diabetes), MAOIs (a type of antidepressant)

  • Be careful if also taking: X-ray or scan dve, Other anti depresents
  • Why it matters: Can damage-the kidneys, Can cause serious reactions like high temperature

St John's Wort (herbal mood remedy)

  • Be careful if also taking: Anti depressants or some prescrition medicines
  • Why it matters: Can make other medicines weaker or too strong
 

Medicines that interact with other medicines

Statins, heart tablets, some blood thinners

  • Food or drink to avoid: Grapefruit or grapefruit juice
  • Why it matters: Can raise medicine levels and cause effects

MAOIs (some antidepressants)

  • Food or drink to avoid: Food with tyramine (red wine, strong cheese, salami, chocolate)
  • Why it matters: Can cause dangerious rise in blood pressure

Warfarin (blood thinner)

  • Food or drink to avoid: Large or changing amounts of green veg, chickpeas and liver
  • Why it matters: Can affect how well warfarin works
 

Remember

  • Always tell your GP, nurse or pharmacist about all medicines and supplements you take.
  • Never start or stop medication without checking first
  • Use one regular pharmacy if possible - they'll keep track of your prescriptions
  • Ask if you're unsure - it's always better to check

Contact

The Croft Surgery
Barnham Road
Eastergate
Chichester
West Sussex
PO20 3RP

Telephone: 01243 543240

Providing NHS Services

Care Quality Commission
Rating: Good