|
Patients should talk to their physician before taking any other medication (either prescription or over-the-counter), nutritional supplements or herbal remedies. These and other substances may slow the rate at which anticoagulants are removed from the body, increasing the risk of overdose or the risk of bleeding. The effectiveness of anticoagulants may also be decreased by some substances because a huge number of drugs can interact with them (especially warfarin). Of particular concern are:
- Antibiotics. Medications that prevent or treat bacterial infection.
- Other anticoagulants.
- Vitamin K supplements.
- Some anti-inflammatory medications.
- Some analgesics (pain medications), including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Some ulcer medications.
- Some antiarrhythmics. Medications used to treat arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).
- Asthma medications.
- Some over-the-counter medications, including those used to treat indigestion.
- Grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice interferes with the liver’s ability to absorb and rid the body of some substances. This could lead to a build up of anticoagulants to toxic levels in the body. Though the buildup is less likely if the juice is ingested four or more hours prior to the medicine, patients taking anticoagulants are advised to refrain from drinking grapefruit juice. However, there is no indication that eating grapefruit (as opposed to drinking juice) presents any danger to patients.
Other substances that may adversely react with anticoagulants include (but are not limited to) alcohol, barbiturates, caffeine, nicotine and marijuana. | 
/doctor_89.jpg "ulcerative colitis tips")
