ARTHRITIS AND GOUT

Aspirin - Aspirin reduces pain, fever and inflammation. Aspirin is available in many brands.

Interaction - Because aspirin can cause stomach irritation, avoid alcohol. To avoid stomach upset, take with food. Do not take with fruit juice.

Corticosteroids - Cortisone-like drugs are used to provide relief to inflamed areas of the body. They lessen swelling, redness, itching and allergic reactions.

Some commonly used steroids: betamethasone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone, triamcinolone

Interaction - Avoid alcohol because both alcohol and corticosteroids can cause stomach irritation. Also avoid foods high in sodium (salt). Check labels on food packages for sodium. Take with food to prevent stomach upset.

Ibuprofen and Other Anti-Inflammatory Agents - Ibuprofen relieves pain and reduces inflammation and fever.

Some commonly used anti-inflammatory agents: ibuprofen/Advil, Haltran, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin naproxen/Naprosyn

Interaction - These drugs should be taken with food or milk because they can irritate the stomach. Avoid taking the medication with those foods or alcoholic beverages which tend to bother your stomach.

Indomethacin - This medication is used to treat the painful symptoms of certain types of arthritis and gout by reducing inflammation, swelling, stiffness, joint pain and fever.

A commonly used brand name: Indocin

Interaction - This drug should be taken with food because it can irritate the stomach. Avoid taking the medication with the kinds of foods or alcoholic beverages which tend to irritate your stomach.

Piroxicam - This medication is used to treat pain, inflammation, redness, swelling and stiffness caused by certain types of arthritis.

A commonly used brand name: Feldene

Interaction - This medication should be taken with a light snack because it can cause stomach irritation. Avoid alcohol because it can add to the possibility of stomach upset.


HEART AND CIRCULATORY DISEASES

Diuretics - Diuretics increase the elimination of water, sodium and chloride from the body.

Some commonly used diuretics: furosemide/Lasix triamterene/Dyrenium hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)/Esidrix, Hydrodiuril

Interaction - Diuretics vary in their interactions with nutrients. Loss of potassium, calcium, and magnesium occurs with some diuretics. Your doctor may prescribe a potassium supplement. With some diuretics, potassium loss is less significant. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Vasodilators - Vasodilators are used to relax veins and/or arteries to reduce work of the heart.

Some commonly used vasodilators: nitroglycerine/Nitrogard, Nitrostat

Interaction - Use of sodium (salt) should be restricted for medication to be effective. Check labels on food packages for sodium.

Anti-Hypertensives - Anti-hypertensives relax blood vessels, increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart and lessen its work load. They also regulate heart beat.

Some commonly used anti-hypertensives: atenolol/Tenormin captopril/Capoten, hydralazine/Apresoline, methyldopa/Aldomet, metoprolol/Lopressor

Interaction - Use of sodium (salt) should be restricted for medication to be effective. Check labels on food packages for sodium.

Anticoagulants - Anticoagulants are used to reduce clotting of the blood.

A commonly used anticoagulant: warfarin/Coumadin, Panwarfin

Interaction - Moderation in consumption of foods high in Vitamin K is recommended because vitamin K produces blood-clotting substances. Such foods include spinach, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, potatoes, vegetable oil, and egg yolk.
 

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