Traffic:   8 Incidents
Weather: 50°F
  06:55pm EST, 11/07/09
Search:    kyw1060.com  Web  Audio
Medical Report
Text Size:   A   A   A

Less is More When It Comes to Meds



by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough

Is it always better to take more medication or a higher dosage of a drug? If some is good, more must be better, right? Actually when it comes to medications this advice is definitely bad!

Let me give you an example.  In the case of a combination medication for lowering cholesterol, where two drugs that work by different mechanisms were formulated together, studies have found that the carotid artery, a big blood vessel in the neck, actually got thicker with treatment. In other words you don’t want to haphazardly add drugs.

It should be mentioned that this combination can be extremely effective in certain people who have specific needs but, in general, you’re always better off with one rather than two medications and the lowest dosage that can work.
 


 
 
Top Stories
SEPTA Strike Talks Break Down
If Strike Ends, It Will Take Hours to Restore Full Service
Decision Day for Health Care in the House
More KYW Headlines
Print Page Email This Page
KYW Podcasts
Medical Reports - Week of 11/2/09
KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough gives his weekly dose of health information. (3:53)
Medical Reports - Week of 10/26/09
KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough gives his weekly dose of health information. (3:53)
Medical Reports - Week of 10/19/09
KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough gives his weekly dose of health information. (3:43)
Medical Reports - Week of 10/12/09
KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough talks about diabetes causing serious vision problems, sleep apnea putting drivers at risk, the mediterranean diet, understanding vaccines and controlling hypertension.(3:39)
 
 
ADVERTISEMENT