INFECTIONS
Erythromycin
Erythromycin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of infections, including those of the throat, ears and skin.Some commonly used erythromycin products:
- erythromycin/E-Mycin
- erythromycin estolate/Ilosone
- erythromycin ethyl succinate/E.E.S.
- E-Mycin E
INTERACTION--Erythromycins vary in their reactions with food; consult your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Methenamine
Methenamine is used to treat urinary tract infections.Some commonly used brand names:
- Mandelamine
- Urex
INTERACTION--Cranberries, plums, prunes and their juices help the action of this drug. Avoid citrus fruits and citrus juices. Eat foods with protein, but avoid dairy products.
Metronidazole
This agent is an anti-infective which is used to treat intestinal and genital infections due to bacteria and parasites.Commonly used brand name: Flagyl
INTERACTION--Do not take alcohol while using this drug, because it may cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing or redness of the face.
Penicillins
Penicillins are antibiotics used for treatment of a wide variety of infections.Some commonly used penicillins:
- amoxicillin
- ampicillin
- bacampicillin
- penicillin G
- penicillin V
INTERACTION--Amoxicillin and bacampicillin may be taken with food; however, absorption of other types of penicillins is reduced when taken with food.
Sulfa Drugs
Sulfa drugs are anti-infectives which are used to treat stomach and urinary infections.Some commonly used sulfa drugs:
- co-trimoxazole/Bactrim
- Septa
- sulfisoxazole/Gantrisin
INTERACTION--Avoid alcohol, as the combination may cause nausea.
Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines are antibiotics that are used to treat a wide variety of infections.Some commonly used brand names:
- tetracycline hydrochloride/Achromycin
- Sumycin
- Panmycin
INTERACTION--These drugs should not be taken within two hours of eating dairy products such as milk, yogurt or cheese, or taking calcium or iron supplements.
PAIN
Aspirin
Aspirin-Aspirin reduces pain, fever and inflammation. Aspirin is available in many brands.INTERACTION--Because aspirin can cause stomach irritation, avoid alcohol. To avoid stomach upset, take with food. Do not take with fruit juice.
Codeine
Codeine is a narcotic that is contained in many cough and pain relief medicines. Codeine suppresses coughs and relieves pain, and is often combined with aspirin or acetaminophen in medications.Some commonly used brand names:
- Aspirin with Codeine
- Tylenol with Codeine.
INTERACTION--Do not drink alcohol with this medication because it could increase sedative effect of medication. Take with meals, small snacks or milk because this medication may cause stomach upset.
Other Narcotic Analgesics
Narcotics are used for the relief of pain.Some commonly used narcotic analgesics:
- meperidine
- morphine
- oxycodone
- pentazocine
- propoxyphene
INTERACTION--Do not drink alcohol because it increases sedative effect of the medications. Take these medications with food, because they can upset the stomach.
Ibuprofen and Other Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Ibuprofen relieve 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.
