Health - Wellness
Over-The-Counter Medications You Shouldn't Be Taking Together
By LAUREN CAHN
Painkillers & Cold Meds
Multi-action cold and flu medications already have painkiller doses, so taking them with painkillers may be harmful. Aspirin and ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal distress, including gastric bleeding in people who have or are predisposed to ulcers.
Ibuprofen & Aspirin
For those taking low-dose aspirin as a prophylactic against heart disease, it is advisable not to take ibuprofen, as it renders the aspirin less effective against heart attack risk. Aspirin does some of its heart-protective work on "platelet cyclooxygenase," and ibuprofen prevents aspirin from gaining access to that.
Acetaminophen & ZzzQuil
While it is well known that acetaminophen causes liver damage at higher dosages, it can also cause liver damage when you take smaller doses. It poses a greater risk of liver damage when taken together with other medicines like ZzzQuil Pure Zzzs Cool Nights tablets, which contain black cohosh — an herb that can be dangerous for your liver in its own right.
ZzzQuil & Robitussin DM
Dextromethorphan, an ingredient in Robitussin and other cough medicines, is designed to loosen chest congestion while controlling the related cough. However, taking dextromethorphan with melatonin — a primary ingredient in ZzzQuil — can lead to dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and other cognitive issues.
Aspirin & Fish Oil
Fish oil increases the risk of bleeding, both external and internal, when combined with other medications known to increase bleeding, such as aspirin. In addition, these two over-the-counter products can cause dizziness and lightheadedness.