Health experts have issued an urgent warning to Britons taking multiple medications, after research revealed that half of people are unaware of potentially dangerous side effects. The warning comes from TakingCare, which found that 50 per cent of Brits are in the dark about the risks of combining common drugs for high blood pressure, heart conditions, and diabetes.
Lauren Frake, Elderly Care Expert at TakingCare, and Peter Thnoia, prescribing pharmacist and chief product and innovation officer at PillTime, have highlighted specific combinations that could be life-threatening, particularly for the elderly. The average 70-year-old in the UK takes around eight pills a day, putting them at heightened risk.
One dangerous mix is furosemide or indapamide (used for heart conditions) with metformin (for type 2 diabetes). These can cause severe dehydration and low blood pressure, increasing the risk of falls. Peter explained: 'If an elderly person taking one of these medications finds themselves sweating more than normal, they may quickly reach a state where their blood pressure is very low.' Lauren added that over 40 per cent of elderly falls recorded by TakingCare involve people taking heart medication.
Another risky combination is antihistamines (hay fever medication) with sedatives or benzodiazepines such as temazepam or diazepam. This can cause dangerous drowsiness, leading to falls or impaired driving. Peter warned: 'If someone is not steady on their feet and also taking another medication with a sedative effect, they could quickly become at risk of a fall.'
Oral decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, when taken with antidepressants like SSRIs, can cause irritability, delayed reactions, and confusion. Peter noted that 8.6 million people in the UK take antidepressants, and interactions with over-the-counter medicines can be risky.
Experts advise patients to consult their GP or pharmacist before combining medications, and to be aware of potential side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and dehydration, especially in hot weather or during physical activity.
