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Thursday 16 September 2021

Some Common Food - Drug Interactions


"Taking medicine is a normal routine for many people, but there are many aspects to think about to avoid unwanted interactions. Age, weight, sex, medical conditions, dose of medicine, other medications, vitamins and herbal supplements can affect any drug taken. Some drugs can work faster, slower, better or worse on an empty stomach while others will upset an empty stomach. Alcohol also has significant effects on medication use. Drinking alcohol while taking medication, or before and after, can affect how the drug works in the body.

When a food affects medications in the body, this is called food-drug interaction. Food can prevent medicine from working the way it should and can cause medicinal side effects to become better or worse and/or cause new side effects to occur. Drugs can also change the way the body uses food. There are a variety of food and drug interactions that can occur, but here is a small list of common drugs and how food affects the way they are used in the body.
  • Green, leafy vegetables, which are high in vitamin K, can decrease how well aspirin thins the blood. Consuming the same amount of green-leafy vegetables each day will decrease this interaction.
  • Grapefruit juice alters the way the body absorbs statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) like Lipitor in the blood. It can cause these drugs to be absorbed in higher than normal amounts resulting in a greater risk of side effects.
  • Calcium channel blockers are prescribed for high blood pressure and are also affected by grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice changes the way this drug breaks down in the body and may cause overly high levels of the drug in the blood, raising the risk of side effects.
  • Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese decrease the absorption of antibiotics. Try to eat meals one to two hours before taking these to avoid this interaction.
  • Alcohol affects insulin or oral diabetic pills. Alcohol prolongs the effects of these drugs, which leads to low blood sugar.
  • Moderate pain reliever drugs with acetaminophen should not be taken with alcohol because it has a higher chance of causing severe liver damage. Antihistamines, like Benadryl, should not be taken with alcohol because it will cause increased drowsiness.
This is only a small list of drugs that are affected by food, but it is important to be informed about common medications that are consumed. Most medications and over-the-counter drugs have warnings stating when it is ok and when it is not ok to consume them, so do not be alarmed about taking any current medications. Doctors and pharmacists are always available to answer questions."
Words above taken from here

The above is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, including medication, you should contact your local health care provider.

should you be feeling 'a little under the weather'
I hope these roses may help to cheer you up

Dear reader, you will find a wide variety of articles and recipes within this blog. Please note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

24 comments:

My name is Erika. said...

It is important to know what meds you take and what you eat, or shouldn't eat, isn't it? Fascinating post. Thanks for sharing.

DVArtist said...

Great post. You always have such informative posts.

William Kendall said...

It's been a couple of years since I was last on any med, and that was for a sinus infection.

J.P. Alexander said...

Gracias por la información es bueno saberlo. Te mando un beso

peppylady (Dora) said...

Follow dr orders is wise.
Coffee is on and stay safe

Christine said...

Very good information thanks

Elephant's Child said...

Sigh.
How I wish that my meds would play nicely - with food, with other meds and with me.

Margaret D said...

Informative post. I consider myself lucky to not have to take any medication at this point.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I found this fascinating. I never take any medications, even aspirin, but if I ever must take a medication, I will be sure to ask what foods can interact with it. This was an interesting article.

Jutta.K. said...

Leider muss ich 6 verschiedene Tabletten am Tag einnehmen.
Aber ich habe mich mit dem Arzt abgesprochen und weiß genau wie ich sie nehmen muss.
Danke für die interessanten und aufklärende Tipps.
Danke auch für die vielen schönen posts immer.
Ich lese sie regelmäßig, kommentiere aber nicht immer.
♥lichst Jutta

José Antonio Sánchez Rumí said...

Thank you very much Jan, when we are turning years and many of us have to incorporate some pill to our daily diet and with it and the care of contraindications.
Best regards.

Valerie-Jael said...

Good advice. When I was in the clinic they gave us very comprehensive advice on how to take our meds and possible complications caused by food etc, and that was good. Valerie

Victor S E Moubarak said...

Great advice. Thanx.

God bless.

Ygraine said...

Great advice here, dear friends...many thanks.😊😊
I hadn't even considered the possibility of drug/food interaction, or indeed of supplements.
Thanks to this informative post, I am now reading drug information leaflets more carefully!

Have a great day!

Hugs xxx

R's Rue said...

Thank you for sharing. Very informative post.

Laura. M said...

Desde hace tiempo tomo antihistamínicos y a veces uso aerosoles. Tengo asma alérgica, no puedo estar sin ellos.
Gracias por la indformación.
Buen jueves. Un abrazo para todos.

Mary Kirkland said...

I knew about the grapefruit juice. It also interacts with antidepressants. Drinking lots of water can make Bi-polar medications not work as well too.

happyone said...

I'm very fortunate not to have to take any medicine!!

Jeanie said...

Every time I get a new script I spend a lot of time reading the paperwork that comes with it on interactions. It's frustrating!

Lowcarb team member said...

Google translations ...

J.P. Alexander said...
Gracias por la información es bueno saberlo. Te mando un beso

Thanks for the information it's good to know. I send you a kiss

Jutta.K. said...
Leider muss ich 6 verschiedene Tabletten am Tag einnehmen.
Aber ich habe mich mit dem Arzt abgesprochen und weiß genau wie ich sie nehmen muss.
Danke für die interessanten und aufklärende Tipps.
Danke auch für die vielen schönen posts immer.
Ich lese sie regelmäßig, kommentiere aber nicht immer.
♥lichst Jutta

Unfortunately, I have to take 6 different tablets a day.
But I have consulted with the doctor and know exactly how to take them.
Thanks for the interesting and enlightening tips.
Thanks also for the many beautiful posts always.
I read them regularly, but I don't always comment.
♥lichst Jutta

Laura. M said...
Desde hace tiempo tomo antihistamínicos y a veces uso aerosoles. Tengo asma alérgica, no puedo estar sin ellos.
Gracias por la indformación.
Buen jueves. Un abrazo para todos

I have long taken antihistamines and sometimes used sprays. I have allergic asthma, I can't be without them.
Thank you for the information.
Good Thursday. A hug for everyone

Rose said...

It seems like grapefruit interacts with a lot of things...and I love them. I sure wish I could remember the other things you name here. They would be healthful to remember.

Conniecrafter said...

luckily I don't have to deal with any of that stuff, I don't drink either.

Ananka said...

I only take multi vits and D and B12. I didn't realise this, good to know :-D

Teresa said...

Muy interesante lo que nos cuentas. Besos.