Although many people assume over-the-counter medicine is always safe, it’s important to consult with your pharmacist before mixing it with any prescription medications. Prescriptions and OTC medicines can interact with one another in dangerous ways, potentially causing serious harm. Here’s what you need to know to avoid accidentally hurting yourself or a loved one.

Why You Shouldn’t Mix Over-the-Counter Medicine With Other Medications

Understanding Safety Approvals

If a product is available without a doctor prescribing it first, many people believe it’s perfectly safe. This misconception stems from a misunderstanding of the FDA’s approval process. The FDA approves an OTC medicine and deems it safe on the condition consumers use it according to the specific directions on the packaging. If you’re mixing an OTC medicine with a prescribed one you’re not technically abiding by the label’s directions.

Common Interactions

You should always talk with an expert before mixing an over-the-counter medication with another medicine. That’s true even if the OTC product is a “natural” nutritional supplement.

That being said, there are certain common interactions you should be aware of. Many antidepressants, when mixed with St. John’s Wort, put patients at risk of seizure or even death. St. John’s Wort can also reduce the effectiveness of many different types of birth control.

Pain medications like Percocet or Vicodin should not be taken with aspirin or other OTC pain relievers, as they often contain the same ingredients. Taking them together could result in an overdose. 

Don’t risk your health by assuming an OTC product is safe. Check with your pharmacist to make sure it doesn’t interact poorly with any other medications you may be taking.

At Pack Pharmacy in Cincinnati, OH, they’re more than happy to explain whether an over-the-counter medicine will interact with your prescribed ones. They’ve served the area since 1949, offering both quality service and reliable information. Contact them online to learn more, or call (513) 871-7770 to speak with a pharmacist today.