Currently, the combination of Chinese and Western medicine for the treatment of diseases has become an important method in clinical practice. Experts explain that if the combination is reasonable, it can complement each other's strengths, produce a synergistic and enhanced effect, and reduce the dosage of drugs and their side effects. However, if the medication is not used properly, it may reduce the efficacy or exacerbate the toxic side effects of the drugs, worsening the condition.
The following are some common prohibitions for the combination of Chinese and Western medicine:
1. During the use of hypoglycemic drugs such as Youshangtang for diabetes patients, it is not suitable to take Chinese medicines such as licorice, ginseng, and pilose antler. These Chinese medicines contain active ingredients that can promote glycogen gluconeogenesis and reduce glucose decomposition in human tissues, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and aggravating diabetes.
2. Antihypertensive drugs should not be used in combination with Chinese patent medicines containing ephedrine, such as Maxing Shigan Tang, Zhike Dingchuan Wan, and Fangfeng Tongsheng Wan. Ephedrine can cause vasoconstriction and increase blood pressure, thereby reducing the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs. Many patients often take antihypertensive drugs and ephedrine-containing drugs together, resulting in a "white plus black" effect.
3. The Chinese patent medicines Baohewan, Liuwei Dihuang Wan, and Shenqi Wan should not be taken simultaneously with Western medicines such as aluminum hydroxide gel, aminophylline, sodium bicarbonate, and Gastrodin. The former three Chinese medicines contain acidic substances, while the latter four Western medicines are alkaline. Taking them together would result in acid-base neutralization, rendering both Chinese and Western medicines ineffective.
4. Xiaohuoluo Dan, Xianglian Wan, and Beimu Pi Pa Syrup contain aconitine, berberine, and bulbocapnine, respectively. If taken together with Western medicines such as atropine, caffeine, and aminophylline, it can easily increase toxicity and cause drug poisoning.
5. Mahuaren Wan, Jieshuo Pian, and Niuhuang Jiedu Pian contain rhubarb and should not be taken together with pancreatic enzymes, pepsin, and multi-enzyme tablets, as rhubarb can inhibit the digestive function of these enzymes.
