Category: Drug safety

In 2023, lisinopril was the fourth most prescribed medication in the United States, with over 76 million prescriptions [1.7.2]. If you take this common blood pressure drug, you might wonder, 'What kind of pain reliever can I take with lisinopril?'

The therapeutic window is a fundamental concept in pharmacology that ensures drugs are administered at doses which maximize benefits while minimizing potential harm. It is the range of drug concentrations in the blood that provides a therapeutic effect without causing significant adverse effects. Understanding **what determines the therapeutic window** is vital for effective and safe medication management, as it involves a complex interplay of a drug's inherent properties and patient-specific variables.

According to the FDA, PROCRIT (epoetin alfa) and other erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) carry a black box warning due to the risk of serious side effects. This means that anyone taking this medication, which helps treat anemia, should be fully aware of the potential for both common and severe health issues.

Globally, warfarin causes major bleeding in 1% to 2% of patients annually [1.7.1]. Understanding which of the following medications will increase the risk of bleeding when taking warfarin is critical for safety, as over 200 drugs, foods, and supplements can interact with it [1.2.3].

The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a boxed warning for methadone, highlighting several serious risks associated with its use, including fatal respiratory depression and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. It is crucial for patients and healthcare providers to understand what are the contraindications for methadone to ensure safe and effective treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nonopioid therapies are at least as effective as opioids for many common types of acute pain. While this is true, the combination of ibuprofen with hydrocodone is especially risky, and knowing why can prevent serious health complications.

Topical thrombin is a critical hemostatic agent used to control minor bleeding during surgeries [1.5.1]. To ensure its effectiveness, it's vital to know what should topical thrombin products not be mixed with, as certain substances can render the product useless.

While millions of drug combinations are used safely every year, a significant number of medication interactions are reported, posing risks to patient health. **Can I take aspirin with ciprofloxacin?** Combining these two medications requires caution due to potential drug interactions and should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

According to healthcare experts, combining different Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) is generally not recommended due to a lack of synergistic benefit and a heightened risk of additive adverse effects. For this reason, you should not take naproxen and mefenamic acid together.

Adderall is a powerful central nervous system stimulant with a high potential for abuse and dependency, classifying it as a Schedule II controlled substance. Consequently, understanding **who should avoid Adderall** is critical for both patient safety and responsible medical practice.