The following stories appear in full on today's Vidyya Medical News Service Web site.

Consumers are taking more medicines than ever before. With nearly three billion prescriptions dispensed each year, a growing choice of nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and the increased use of dietary supplements, the potential for drug interactions increases. To help consumers avoid potential problems when taking prescription or nonprescription medicines, the Council on Family Health (CFH), in partnership with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Consumers League (NCL), has released an update of its popular free consumer guide Drug Interactions: What You Should Know. You can get the guide in today's issue of Vidyya.

Those of you interested in interactions with, and the adverse effects of herbal preparations will be interested in a bibliography with abstracts in today's issue. The bibliography provides a brief survey of the literature covering the publication years 1997-1999 and examines the available information regarding the therapeutic and adver effects of herbal preparations. This bibliography includes citations from published articles, books, books chapters, and technical reports.

The use of multiple medicines, a greater prevalence of chronic health conditions and normal body changes caused by aging can increase the likelihood of potential problems with medicines. A chart provided in today's issue can help patients track their medications by name, use, prescribing practitioner, description of the medication and more. What's more, you can print and distribute this chart as necessary.

Long-distance air travelers can tell you that they often walk off planes, trains and busses with tired eyes and a tired body. Now these tourists and business people can get help help in the form of a dietary supplement - a coenzyme known as NADH that may help reduce the mind-numbing effects of jet lag.

Today's Vidyya articles are:

• Get The Information You Need About Drug Interactions

• Drug Interactions: What You Should Know

• Herbals: Therapeutic And Adverse Effects: A Bibliography With Abstracts

• Information For Patients: My Medicine Record

• A Dietary Supplement For Jet Lag?