Drug interaction occurs when a drug acts on the body along with another drug. This interaction can change the effect of one or both drugs on the body. When two drugs of a similar type interact, the overall effect of one or both of the drugs can increase. Mixing drugs (often referred to as poly-drug use), can therefore be a very risky activity.
Some drug interactions can be very dangerous - especially when any combination of the following drugs are taken together:
- alcohol
- heroin
- benzodiazapines
Drugs can act together so that the overall effect is far greater than the two added together. Their effect can be multiplied. This is called potentiation.
Question - What is the relevance of knowing about drug interactions for workers?
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Summary
Some of the key issues in pharmacology include:- intoxication
- tolerance
- dependence (both physical and psychological)
- drug interaction
- potentiation.