Khaberni - Experts in pharmacy and medicine have warned of the possibility of dangerous drug interactions between dietary supplements containing vitamins and minerals and some common medications, which could reduce treatment efficacy or cause unexpected health complications.
International medical reports indicate that the use of dietary supplements without medical consultation has become common, despite the fact that many of these products may interfere with prescribed medications, especially among the elderly and patients with chronic diseases.
Medical sources, including official health and pharmaceutical portals, confirm that some minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron can reduce the absorption of certain medications, particularly some antibiotics and thyroid disorder medications, when taken at the same time.
Minerals may chemically bind with drugs in the digestive system, limiting the drug’s transfer into the bloodstream and weakening its therapeutic effect.
Potassium
One of the elements that require caution, as the National Library of Medicine indicates, some medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and some common pain relievers, reduce the excretion of potassium through the kidneys.
When taking potassium supplements concurrently with these medications, potassium levels in the blood may rise to dangerous levels affecting heart rhythm and muscle functions.
Doctors also warn that patients taking medications to regulate heart rhythms, such as cardiac glycosides, may find their treatment effectiveness diminished if potassium levels in the blood rise.
Vitamin C
Medical reports suggest that vitamin C, known as ascorbic acid, may interfere with some anticoagulant medications, potentially altering their effectiveness and necessitating precise medical monitoring.
Vitamin A
Experts also caution against taking vitamin A supplements for patients undergoing severe acne treatment with isotretinoin, as this medication is derived from vitamin A, and combining the two may lead to an overdose and serious side effects.
Vitamin B9
Folic acid, known as vitamin B9 (Vitamin B9), has been shown in medical studies to reduce the effectiveness of some epilepsy medications, necessitating dosage adjustment and monitoring drug levels in the blood.
To minimize the risks of drug interactions, experts advise leaving a time interval of at least two hours between taking dietary supplements and medications, especially those containing minerals, in addition to the necessity of informing the doctor or pharmacist about all the supplements the patient takes.
The World Health Organization confirms that failing to mention dietary supplements during medical consultation is one of the main reasons for drug interactions, emphasizing the importance of full communication between the patient and healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective treatment.
