One of the most dangerous misconceptions that consumers can make is to assume that they don’t have to worry about their safety or the possible interactions between their over-the-counter pain medicine with their prescription drugs. However, these pain medications can impact the effectiveness, strength, and safety of prescriptions drugs, and in some cases they can cause a serious or even life threatening reaction. In order to avoid these negative interactions consumers should know what drugs and substances will negatively react to, or be effected by acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is used as a pain reliever and as a fever reducer. If taken in amounts greater than what is directed this drug can cause serious damage to your hepatic system and can even cause renal failure. If you have type 1 diabetes you should also be aware that acetaminophen can impact the accuracy of home blood glucose readings. You may want to consult with your doctor over how to avoid this problem. In general, acetaminophen has a tendency to interact with the following drugs:

1. Alcohol and Ethyl

Acetaminophen could have a negative reaction in people who consume large quantities of alcohol in conjunction with high doses of acetaminophen. The threat of developing a condition known as hepatotoxicty is also possible. (Hepatotoxicty is the official medical term applied to liver damage caused by medications or chemicals.)

2. Charcoal

Charcoal has a neutralizing effect on acetaminophen and should be administered in cases of acetaminophen overdoses.

3. Isoniazid

Isoniazid, which is used as a antimycobacterial, may lead to severe acetaminophen hepatoxicity. If you are taking an Isoniazid and also have a tendency to take large doses of acetaminophen, your hepatic functions should be monitored.

4. Oral contraceptive agents

Oral contraceptive agents have a tendency to increase the body’s ability to metabolize acetaminophen. A larger dose of acetaminophen may be needed to be effective. However, be careful not to overdose. Ask your doctor for proper dosing to compensate for the effects of your oral contraceptive agent.

5. Phenobarbital

Phenobarbital, used to control epilepsy or used as a sedative for insomniacs, also seems to increase the body’s ability to metabolize acetaminophen. In some cases this acceleration has led to increased hepatic damage due to the loss of the enzymes that function as neutralizers of toxic metabolites.

6. Phenytoin

Phenytoin, an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy, potentially could lead to acetaminophen toxicity if the patient overdoses on acetaminophen.

7. Propranolol

Propranolol is a beta-blocker used for a variety of treatments for: high blood pressure, prophylaxis of migraine, hyperthyroidism, portal hypertension, and even for anxiety and panic disorders. In regards to its interaction with acetaminophen, Propranolol decreases the body’s ability to metabolize acetaminophen. This may inadvertently cause an overdose even when the patient follows the recommended dosage schedule. If your hepatic system does not function properly, you should be vary careful, avoid using acetaminophen, or be monitored while taking both of these drugs together. Other beta-blocker substances could have a similar reaction with acetaminophen and similar precautions should be taken.

8. Sulfinpyrozone

Sulfinpyrozone is used for preventing gout and gout related arthritis. It has a significant chance of increasing the toxic effects of acetaminophen, especially in the liver. Chances of organ damage increase when an overdose of acetaminophen is taken.

9. Terfenadine

Terfenadine, used for the treatment of allergy symptoms, can lead to cariotoxicity and an increase in terfenadine levels, especially if the patient is taking large doses of acetaminophen.