Even those who have carefully read the descriptions of medications, may not notice that their preparations contain the same active ingredient.
Hazardous pair no. 1: painkiller and medicine to treat cold. Medicine to treat cold contains paracetamol – it relieves headache, sore throat, lowers the temperature, etc. If you also take a painkiller containing paracetamol, your can exceed the safe amount of paracetamol per day – 4 g. This is a real danger for your liver.
Hazardous pair no. 2: ibuprofen, diclofenac and aspirin. These drugs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Their effect is the same, and at the same time their use increases the risk of side effects, ranging from nausea, life-threatening bleeding in the intestines and digestive tract.
Hazardous pair no. 3: antihistamines and anti-nausea medications. These preparations can contain similar materials, like diphenhydramine to treat colds, eye irritation and sneezing, and idimenhidrinate to treat sea sickness. Both substances cause drowsiness.
Hazardous pair no. 4: medicines to treat diarrhea and calcium. Medicines to treat diarrhea contain loperamide, which helps the intestines to form harder faeces. Calcium has a similar effect, so together they may cause constipation.