Ibuprofen and Other Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Ibuprofen relieves pain and reduces inflammation and fever.Some commonly used anti-inflammatory agents:
- ibuprofen/Advil
- Haltran
- Medipren
- Motrin
- Nuprin
- naxproxen/Naprosyn
INTERACTION--These drugs should be taken with food or milk because they can irritate the stomach. Avoid taking the medication with those foods or alcoholic beverages which tend to bother your stomach.
Indomethacin
This medication is used to treat the painful symptoms of certain types of arthritis and gout by reducing inflammation, swelling, stiffness, joint pain and fever.A commonly used brand name: Indocin
INTERACTION--This drug should be taken with food because it can irritate the stomach. Avoid taking the medication with the kinds of foods or alcoholic beverages which tend to irritate your stomach.
Piroxicam
This medication is used to treat pain, inflammation, redness, swelling and stiffness caused by certain types of arthritis.A commonly used brand name: Feldene
INTERACTION--This medication should be taken with a light snack because it can cause stomach irritation. Avoid alcohol because it can add to the possibility of stomach upset.
HEART AND CIRCULATORY DISEASES
Diuretics
Diuretics increase the elimination of water, sodium and chloride from the body.Some commonly used diuretics:
- furosemide/Lasix
- triamterene/Dyrenium
- hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)/Esidrix
- Hydrodiuril
INTERACTION--Diuretics vary in their interactions with nutrients. Loss of potassium, calcium, and magnesium occurs with some diuretics. Your doctor may prescribe a potassium supplement. With some diuretics, potassium loss is less significant. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
Vasodilators
Vasodilators are used to relax veins and/or arteries to reduce work of the heart.Some commonly used vasodilators:
- nitroglycerine/Nitrogard
- Nitrostat
INTERACTION--Use of sodium (salt) should be restricted for medication to be effective. Check labels on food packages for sodium.
Anti-Hypertensives
Anti-hypertensives relax blood vessels, increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart and lessen its work load. They also regulate heart beat.Some commonly used anti-hypertensives:
- atenolol/Tenormin
- captopril/Capoten
- hydralazine/Apresoline
- methyldopa/Aldomet
- metoprolol/Lopressor
INTERACTION--Use of sodium (salt) should be restricted for medication to be effective. Check labels on food packages for sodium.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are used to reduce clotting of the blood.Some commonly used anticoagulant:
- warfarin/Coumadin
- Panwarfin
INTERACTION--Moderation in consumption of foods high in vitamin K is recommended because vitamin K produces blood-clotting substances. Such foods include spinach, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, vegetable oil and egg yolk.
