Report any new symptoms to your doctor. If you develop a rash or shortness of breath while taking a medicine, especially an antibiotic, do not take the next dose until you have talked with a doctor. You need to ask questions to find out what effect foods and other medicines might have on a new medicine. Some foods and drinks can make the medicine work too fast or too slowly or even not at all. Other foods and medicines may cause a life-threatening reaction.
Alcohol can be very dangerous when taken with some medicines.
Regular use of medicines such as mineral oil, diuretics or water pills, birth control pills, and antacids can cause nutritional deficiencies over a period of time. Your doctor needs to be aware that you are taking these medicines so imbalances can be detected. If you don't understand the answers your doctor and pharmacist give you, ask them to explain again. Get written information or take notes. More people over age 65 are admitted to the hospital for medicine problems than for any other reason.