Medication Interactions and Safety: Practice Questions Free Online FlashCards

What can a medication interaction do?

They can increase or decrease a medicine’s effects or cause unexpected harm.

What does it mean if a medication combination is contraindicated?

It means the medicines should not be used together.

Are all medication interactions absolute contraindications?

Some combinations may be possible with professional guidance and monitoring.

What can grapefruit juice do to simvastatin levels?

Grapefruit can increase the amount of simvastatin entering the blood.

Why can increased simvastatin levels be harmful?

Higher drug levels may increase side effects, including muscle injury.

What should someone check before avoiding grapefruit with a statin?

Grapefruit does not interact with every statin in the same way; check the specific medicine’s label and ask a pharmacist or prescriber.

How can vitamin K in leafy greens affect warfarin?

Kale and spinach contain vitamin K, which can reduce warfarin’s effect.

How should someone taking warfarin approach leafy greens?

Keeping vitamin K intake consistent is generally key; automatically avoiding nutritious foods is not the recommended approach.

What should a warfarin user do before a major diet change?

Discuss major diet changes with the care team and follow recommended blood-test monitoring rather than making abrupt changes.

Why does oxycodone with alprazolam require special caution?

Both can depress the central nervous system, so their effects can add together.

What severe harm can opioid–benzodiazepine effects cause?

The combination can cause extreme sedation and dangerously slow or difficult breathing, coma, or death.

What precautions apply to prescribed oxycodone and alprazolam?

Do not combine them on your own or add alcohol or other sedating medicines; this combination requires prescriber oversight.