AboutBarbara Judge Expertise Outpatient pharmacy and general health. I have recently completed a Pharmceutical Care Certificate Program offered by Purdue University (Spring 1999 completion). I have personal experience dealing with terminally ill persons and their needs, as well as their families` needs. I graduated in 1984 from Pharmacy School and have been a Licensed Pharmacist since then. I have 18 years retail pharmacy experience. Prior to my pharmacy training I have 3 years hospital experience as a Nurse`s Aide.
I have a question regarding drug interactions. I am currently on 50 mgs of Toprol XL for high blood pressure and on 30mgs of Procardia for Reynauds Syndrome. I know that one or both of these drugs can cause the heartrate to slow.
Recently I was in surgery and have been put on pain management drugs until I heal. I was given Percocet which makes me sick (if I take a full pill) so I have been breaking the pill in half and taking 1/2 a percocet once a day. I asked the doctor to give me something else that would not make me sick and he gave me Tylenol 3 instead. I take on Tylenol 3 in the morning and one at night.
I know in the scheme of things, those are not high doses of pain meds, but I am concerned about the affects of those drugs interacting with the Procardia and the Toprol. Can you give me any information on that?
Thank you
Answer There are no documented drug interactions between the codeine in Tylenol 3 or oxycodone in Percocet and Procardia or Toprol. It is important that you take as little as possible because large doses may worsen the symptoms from Raynaud's Syndrome. Large doses also cause respiratory depression and other circulatory problems. These doses are generally overdosages greatly exceeding the recommended or prescribed dose for the majority of patients. If you feel you are having any unusual side effects you should stop taking the medication and call your doctor as soon as possible.
