Pharmacy/mixing drugs

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Expert: Nigel Simmons - 1/23/2007


Question
My husband has a bottle with Hydrocodone, benedryl, muscle relaxer and ibuprofen all mix up.  He says he takes them together to help him sleep.  What are the effects of mixing all of these different drugs?  Thank you for your help.


Answer
Aubry

I'm sure you realise that while it is conventient to keep all medicines in one bottle for convenience (esp. when working etc.) it is not to be recommended, as it will make identification of what has actually been taken very difficult if there is a problem.

In pharmaceutical terms, there is no real problem with taking each of the drugs together at night, however they are likely to cause significant drowsiness which could last to the next day and affect driving etc.

My suggestion would be for your husband to discuss his medicines with his doctor or pharmacist and see whether all of the products are really necessary for the problems he presumably has.

I hope this helps.

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Nigel Simmons

Expertise

I am happy to answer general questions on medicines and hospital care. If possible, please use approved / chemical names rather than brands which are not internationally recognised. Like all health professionals I am bound by a duty of care which prevents me giving detailed information about medication or treatment of people other than the questioner. I will endeavour to help wherever possible or point towards more appropriate advice. If however your question crosses too far into patient confidentiality, I hope you will understand why I cannot answer your question. Consider.. would you want me to discuss your care with a friend or relative without your knowledge?

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Registered as a UK pharmacist in 1982 and have worked in a number of hospital and health management posts around the UK. Formerly Chief Pharmacist for a 440 bed general hospital in Cambridgeshire.
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Previously Sysop on CompuServe UK Professionals forum.

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