Non-prescription drugs are available to the general public, providing quick access to solutions to minor conditions such as headache, colds, indigestion or allergies. Although affordable and seemingly harmless, these medicines may cause side effects, especially when taken with other medicines (including those prescribed) or when the correct indications for administration are not followed. In this context, innovative applications such as Pharmachat become essential for pharmacies, helping pharmacists quickly identify potential interactions and provide personalized and safe recommendations to patients.
Frequent interactions with over-the-counter medications
Even if over-the-counter medicines are considered safe, their concomitant use with other medicines or supplements may cause unpleasant side effects. Here are some common examples of interactions that may occur in pharmacies:
A. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are two of the most widely used over-the-counter analgesics. Although safe at the recommended doses, they can become dangerous when combined with other medicines:
- paracetamol may cause liver toxicity if combined with other hepatotoxic drugs, such as certain antibiotics and anticonvulsants.
- ibuprofen may irritate the gastric mucosa and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when combined with anticoagulants (eg warfarin).
B. Antihistamines and sedatives
Antihistamines used to treat allergies can have a sedative effect. If combined with other sedatives or alcohol, the effect of drowsiness intensifies, increasing the risk of accidents and affecting the ability to concentrate.
C. Antacids and antibiotics
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may interact with certain antibiotics, reducing their absorption and, implicitly, their effectiveness. Patients should be informed to take these medicines at appropriate intervals to avoid interaction.
D. Cold and antidepressant medications
Cold medicines, which include decongestants, may contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, substances that increase blood pressure. They may interact with antidepressants, increasing the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular complications.
Pharmachat – an innovative solution for pharmacists
The pharmacist plays a key role in assessing the safety of over-the-counter medicines, but given the large amount of information about drug interactions, rapid access to technological support is essential. Pharmachat is an advanced platform that provides pharmacists with the tools they need for a quick and effective analysis of drug interactions.
Key features of Pharmachat:
- Rapid identification of drug interactions: Pharmachat scans and analyzes the database of known interactions, signaling to pharmacists the potential risks associated with the combination of certain drugs.
- Administration and dosage tips: In addition to preventing interactions, Pharmachat provides personalized recommendations on dosage and administration so that patients can use over-the-counter medicines as safely as possible.
- Constant database updates: Pharmachat relies on a frequently updated database, ensuring that pharmacists receive the latest information and studies on medicines.
Pharmachat benefits for pharmacists and patients
The uses of Pharmachat in pharmacies it brings important benefits for both pharmacists and patients:
- Reducing the risk of drug interactions: By quickly identifying interactions, pharmacists can prevent side effects and recommend safe alternatives.
- Efficiency in the process of drug release: With Pharmachat, pharmacists can answer patients’ questions more quickly and efficiently, saving time in consultations.
Non-prescription drugs can be extremely useful, but their incorrect use or combination with other treatments can lead to serious health risks. Pharmachat provides a valuable tool for pharmacists, enabling them to provide patients with informed and safe advice, minimizing the risk of unwanted interactions. Thus, pharmacists can become not only drug dealers, but also trusted advisors, actively contributing to the health and well-being of the community.
Pharmachat was developed by the Romanian company, Apollo AI Technologies, specialized in the development of professional applications based on artificial intelligence. The application is made available to doctors and pharmacists with the support of the partner Alphega. For more information about Pharmachat and how you can access the app if you are a doctor or pharmacist, go to the platform www.pharmachat.ro.
