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When
taken together, drugs can interact with one another
and produce desirable or undesirable results. Some drugs
have an additive effect-that is, they increase the effect
of other drugs. For example, alcoholic beverages intensify
the drowsiness-producing effect of some sedatives. Drugs
that displace, or take the place of other drugs present
in blood proteins, make the displaced drugs more active
in the body, increasing their effect. Other drugs have
a reducing effect-that is, they interfere with the action
of drugs already present in the body. For example, antacids
prevent antibiotics from being absorbed by the stomach.
Some drugs combine with other drugs to create a substance
that has no medical benefit. In some cases, however,
drug interactions can produce desirable results. Doctors
have found that using three drugs to fight AIDS is more
effective than one drug used alone.
Drugs are most effective when properly prescribed by
physicians and taken correctly by patients. Missing
doses, taking drugs at the wrong time of the day or
with instead of before meals, and stopping drug use
too soon can markedly reduce the medical benefits of
many drugs.
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