A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O
P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Food-Drug Interactions

What happens during a food-drug interaction?

A food-drug interaction can occur when the food you eat affects the ingredients in a medication you are taking, preventing the medicine from working the way it should.

Food-drug interactions can happen with both prescription and over-the-counter medications, including antacids, vitamins, and iron pills.

Some nutrients can affect the way you metabolize certain drugs by binding with drug ingredients, thus reducing their absorption or speeding their elimination. For example, the acidity of fruit juice may decrease the effectiveness of antibiotics such as penicillin. Dairy products may blunt the infection-fighting effects of tetracycline. Antidepressants (called MAO inhibitors) are dangerous when mixed with foods or drinks that contain tyramine (i.e., beer, red wine, and some cheeses).

Not all medications are affected by food, but many can be affected by what you eat and when you eat it. Sometimes, taking medications at the same time you eat may interfere with the way your stomach and intestines absorb medication. Other medications are recommended to be taken with food. Be sure to ask your physician or pharmacist for specific directions on eating prior to or after taking any medication.

What you should remember about food-drug interactions:

• Read the prescription label on the container. If you do not understand something, or think you need more information, ask your physician or pharmacist.
• Read directions, warnings, and interaction precautions printed on all medication labels and package inserts. Even over-the-counter medications can cause problems.
• Take medication with a full glass of water.
• Do not stir medication into your food or take capsules apart (unless directed by your physician). This may change the way the drug works.
• Do not take vitamin pills at the same time you take medication - vitamins and minerals can interact with some drugs.
• Do not mix medication into hot drinks, because the heat from the drink may destroy the effectiveness of the drug.
• Never take medication with alcoholic drinks.
• Be sure to tell your physician and pharmacist about all medications you are taking, both prescription and non-prescription.

Click here to view the
Online Resources of Non-Traumatic Emergencies

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O
P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

As a service to our community, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network purchases the content under "Diseases & Conditions" from Greystone.net, a provider of health care information for consumers.

ARTICLE TOOLS: