What is a common consequence of combining incompatible medications?

Combining incompatible medications can lead to dangerous crystallization, which is a significant concern in medication administration. When two drugs that are not compatible are mixed, the chemical reaction between them can result in the formation of precipitates or crystals. These crystals may not dissolve back into a solution, which can lead to blockages in blood vessels if administered intravenously, or result in incorrect dosages if they precipitate out in the vial or syringe. This crystallization can pose serious risks to patient safety, potentially leading to complications such as embolism or ineffective treatment due to insufficient medication delivery.

Incompatible medications typically do not enhance each other's effectiveness or create new medications with improved outcomes. Instead, their interaction often produces negative results, emphasizing the importance of understanding medication compatibility in order to prevent such dangerous situations. Additionally, incompatible medications cannot be used interchangeably as their reactions can lead to more severe consequences rather than therapeutic benefits.