Drug Interaction Guides by Class

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs reduce pain, fever, and inflammation by blocking COX enzymes. Common examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. They carry important interaction risks with blood thinners, ACE inhibitors, and other NSAIDs.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants used for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. They carry serious interaction risks with opioids, alcohol, and other CNS depressants — combinations that can cause respiratory depression.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids mimic hormones produced by the adrenal glands and are used for inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and allergies. They interact with NSAIDs, blood thinners, and many other medications.

Atypical Antipsychotics

Atypical antipsychotics treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. They carry interaction risks with CNS depressants, QT-prolonging drugs, and CYP450 inhibitors.

Thiazide Diuretics

Thiazide diuretics lower blood pressure by increasing urine output. They interact with NSAIDs, lithium, diabetes medications, and other antihypertensives.

Insulin Analogs

Insulin analogs are modified forms of insulin used to manage blood sugar in diabetes. Drug interactions can significantly alter glucose control — beta blockers, corticosteroids, and many other drugs affect insulin requirements.

Azole Antifungals

Azole antifungals treat fungal infections. They are potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, making them one of the most interaction-prone drug classes — affecting statins, anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, and many others.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

ARBs treat high blood pressure and heart failure by blocking angiotensin II. They interact with NSAIDs, potassium-sparing diuretics, lithium, and ACE inhibitors.

Beta-Adrenergic Blockers (Beta Blockers)

Beta blockers treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and arrhythmias by blocking adrenaline. They interact with calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmics, and diabetes medications.

SGLT2 Inhibitors

SGLT2 inhibitors lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by causing the kidneys to excrete glucose. They interact with diuretics, insulin, and drugs that affect kidney function.

Antiarrhythmic Drugs

Antiarrhythmics control abnormal heart rhythms. Many are potent CYP450 inhibitors and prolong the QT interval, creating serious interaction risks with other cardiac drugs, antibiotics, and antifungals.

Kinase Inhibitors

Kinase inhibitors are targeted cancer therapies that block specific enzymes driving tumor growth. They are heavily metabolized by CYP3A4 and interact with many common medications including antifungals, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants.

CYP3A4 Inhibitors

CYP3A4 inhibitors block the liver enzyme responsible for metabolizing over 50% of all drugs. When combined with CYP3A4 substrates, they can dramatically increase drug levels and cause toxicity.

CYP3A4 Inducers

CYP3A4 inducers speed up the metabolism of drugs processed by this enzyme, reducing their effectiveness. Common examples include rifampin, carbamazepine, and St. John's Wort.

P-Glycoprotein Inhibitors

P-glycoprotein is a drug efflux transporter that limits the absorption and distribution of many medications. P-gp inhibitors increase exposure to drugs like digoxin, anticoagulants, and certain cancer therapies.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers treat high blood pressure, angina, and arrhythmias. They interact with beta blockers, CYP3A4 inhibitors, and other antihypertensives.

Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs)

Anti-epileptic drugs prevent seizures and are also used for neuropathic pain and bipolar disorder. Many are CYP450 inducers or inhibitors, creating extensive interaction networks with other medications.

Retinoids

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives used for acne, psoriasis, and certain cancers. They interact with vitamin A supplements, tetracyclines, and methotrexate — with some combinations causing serious toxicity.

Estrogens

Estrogens are used in hormone replacement therapy and contraceptives. They interact with CYP450 inducers that reduce their effectiveness, anticoagulants, and thyroid medications.

Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors

Platelet aggregation inhibitors prevent blood clots by reducing platelet stickiness. They interact with anticoagulants, NSAIDs, and other blood-thinning medications, increasing bleeding risk.