Types of Drug Interactions

When the effect of a particular drug is influenced by the presence of another drug, food or herbal product, it means an interaction between them has occurred. The interaction can result in favorable or unfavorable effects. Certain drug-drug interactions are intentionally provoked to achieve stronger therapeutic effects, e.g., in the treatment of hypertension, pain, bronchial asthma, or complex infections. However, drug-drug interactions oftentimes cause adverse effects or reduce the action of a particular drug. Drug-drug interactions are divided into three main groups: pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and combined.