Drug interactions can really change how our bodies handle different medicines. It’s important to know about these effects to make sure we use medications safely and effectively. Here’s an easy-to-understand breakdown of how these interactions work:

Absorption

• Changed Absorption Rates: Some drugs can change how well others get absorbed in our bodies. They can do this by altering the acidity in our stomachs or speeding up or slowing down digestion.
• Example: If someone takes antacids, it can mess with how well certain antibiotics work because it changes the acidity of the stomach.

Distribution

• Competition for Binding: Some medications can fight for spots on proteins in the blood. This can change how much of the drug is available to work in the body.
• Example: Warfarin is a medicine that helps thin the blood. If another drug bumps it off its protein, it might work too strongly and cause problems.

Metabolism

• Changing Enzyme Activity: Some drugs can either speed up or slow down the work of certain enzymes in the liver. This changes how quickly other medications are broken down.
• Example: Certain antibiotics like rifampicin can speed up liver enzymes, making other medicines less effective.

Excretion

• Kidney Function Changes: Drug interactions can also affect how well our kidneys work. This can change how quickly our bodies get rid of medicines.
• Example: Some pain relievers, known as NSAIDs, can impact how the kidneys function. This can affect how other drugs are removed from the body.

In short, these processes show how drugs can work together in ways that might be harmful or make them less effective. It’s really important for doctors to think about these interactions when giving multiple medications to ensure patients get the best and safest treatment.