Docs warn over-the-counter drugs interfere with prescription pills and contain high levels of salt
The over-the-counter drugs interfere with prescription pills, cause dangerous sodium and fluid retention, or contain high levels of salt, it is claimed.
Some natural remedies and supplements may also have “serious unintended consequences”, the American Heart Association says.
Heart Association says. Its researchers found some heartburn and cold remedies contain three times as much salt as a packet of crisps.
Patients with heart conditions are routinely advised to cut back on salt because it raises blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
And supplements used in complementary and alternative medicine – such as St. John’s wort, ginseng, hawthorn, danshen, and green tea – can stop prescription pills from working effectively.
They may be toxic to heart muscle cells, change how the heart muscle contracts, or cause an overdose even when patients are taking the correct dose of prescription medication.
The AHA “scientific statement” – published in the journal Circulation – says patients should discuss the cocktail of drugs and supplements they are taking with their doctor.
Professor Robert Page, chairman of the statement writing committee, said: “Keep a list of all your medications and doses to show at every medical visit, and inform a healthcare provider treating your heart failure before stopping or starting any medication.
“Ideally there should be a ‘captain’ who oversees your medications.
“This person might be a physician, advanced practice nurse, nurse or a pharmacist who is managing your heart failure.”
He added: “Patients have been taught to read food labels for sodium content, but they also need to read labels on over-the-counter medications and natural supplements.
“My hope is that this statement will be used by healthcare providers in all medical specialties to educate themselves about drugs that can exacerbate or cause heart failure.”
Prof Peter Weissberg, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “This statement provides a timely reminder that many drugs, whether prescribed or purchased over the counter, can have adverse effects on patients with heart failure.
“The examples of drug interactions quoted are well known to the medical community, but the danger comes when these patients self-medicate, either with over-the-counter medications, or with nutritional supplements and herbs.
“The message is that patients with heart failure should always consult a doctor before taking any new product with medicinal claims, and doctors need to remain conscious of known drug interactions when prescribing drugs for their patients.”
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