For consumers
(1300 633 424)
Mon-Fri | 9am-5pm AEST
Your call will be answered by healthdirect Australia
For health professionals
Find out the active ingredient and other brand names of your medicines with the NPS Medicine Name Finder
For a medicinewise Australia
Independent. Not-for-profit. Evidence based.
Site Tools
What is a medicine interaction? What is a medicine interaction?
When another medicine, food or drink (including alcohol) changes how strongly a medicine works, or changes its side effects in some way, this is called an interaction (or a drug interaction). These interactions may be serious.
Interactions can be caused in many ways, but the most common are:
- by making your body absorb or get rid of a medicine slower or faster than usual; this can mean your usual dose is either too strong or not strong enough
- by adding together two medicines that when combined give you too strong an effect; this can happen if you are taking two medicines that do similar things in your body.
Related topic
Other FAQs related to this topic
Date published: 2011-01-24 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
