9 Things Pharmacists Want You to Know

Check the active ingredients in your meds

As I said before, some over-the-counter drugs (but not only these kind of meds) contain certain active ingredients, such as aspirin, pseudoephedrine, or acetaminophen – commonly known as Tylenol, and too much Tylenol could lead to liver toxicity or other severe diseases. Moreover, some cold meds contain pseudoephedrine and this substance can increase heart rate and blood pressure, so you have to be very careful when you take them. 

“Herbal products and vitamins often interact with medications, too,” said Moore. For instance, ginseng, goldenseal, and St. John’s wort are potent herbs that could interact with other drugs, so this could lead to severe side effects. 

So, in this case, all you have to do is to tell your pharmacist if you are taking any other pills and they will know if you can still take other meds and if they interact. It is your responsibility to ask them about the possible side effects of your meds and they will give you all the information that you need. 

“But we can do a lot more. We are more of a resource and people should ask us questions and use our expertise,” said Moore.