When the effects of one drug change due to the presence of another
drug/herbal product/medicine, food, drink etc. this is termed as drug
interaction. The result can be injurious if the interaction augments the
toxicity of the drug. The more drugs a patient takes, the greater the
likelihood that an adverse reaction will occur. Usually it is difficult
to identify an interaction because of individual variability.
Theoretically, many reasons and factors can establish whether an
interaction occurs or not. However, practically it is still very
difficult to predict the same. The uncomplicated way out to this
practical problem is to choose a non-interacting alternative with
precaution, however, it is not always possible. The level of interaction
can be minimized in certain cases intelligibly by adjusting the dosages.
In this way, the dose-related interactions can be reduced. It is
reasonably impracticable to retain information and occurrence about all
the known clinically important interactions that is why this book about
analgesics has been produced.