What Are the Most Common Food and Drug Interactions and How to Avoid?

What is the drug-food interaction?

Most common route of administration of a drug is oral. One of the main problems with this method of administration is the possible interaction of drugs with food. Both the drug and food undergo modifications in stomach. These are interactions that occur more frequently than expected,as because of taking medications with meals. Thus, the presence of food in the digestive system can influence the effect of orally administered medications. In most of the times, this effect is minor and the effectiveness of the treatment is not altered. However, there are times when eating or not eating certain foods simultaneously with taking a drug can alter the effectiveness of drug as well as adverse reaction for the patient.

 

 

Bananas with ACE inhibitors

ACE inhibitors like captopril, enalapril, and lisinopril can be your heart's best friend as they relax blood vessels so blood flows more easily. They can also increase the amount of potassium in the body, and too much potassium can cause an irregular heartbeat or palpitations. If you are taking an ACE inhibitor, avoid consuming large amounts of potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, oranges, and salt substitutes that contain potassium.

 

 

No cheese  with antidepressants

The wine and the beer go perfectly with aged cheeses. However, if you're taking certain antidepressants - specifically monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like selegiline.You need to avoid cheese, wine, beer.

Reason: Foods that contain yeast, as well as those that have been aged or fermented can cause blood pressure to rise. And this can increase the chances of suffering a stroke.

 

 

No milk with multivitamin,iron and certain antibiotics

Drinking a glass of milk every day can be good, but drinking it to ingest a multivitamin with iron or your antibiotic (including tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones) is contraindicated. Here's why: When taken together, dairy binds to the drug and forms what's called a complex. Less of the vitamin or antibiotic is absorbed when taken together. wait two hours before drinking or eating dairy products after taking the medicine.

 

 

Acetaminophen and Alcohol 

If you suffer from muscle aches, Headaches, or arthritis, acetaminophen is probably your quintessential pain reliever. However, it can cause liver damage, and the possibility of serious damage is greater if you consume three or more alcoholic drinks a day. So feel free to have wine with dinner, but follow the re-corking rule and put the bottle away after a glass or two to avoid further temptations.

 

 

Green Leafy Vegetables With Warfarin

If you are taking blood thinner warfarin, you may want to monitor your consumption of dark green leafy vegetables. This drug, which helps prevent blood clots, allows blood to flow more easily by blocking the production of vitamin K in the liver, which is essential for clot formation. But green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and turnip greens are rich in vitamin K. They are also healthy, so you shouldn't avoid them altogether. Instead, eat them consistently: once or twice a week, every week.

 

 

No  grapefruit with anti lipidemic drugs? 

Grape is a great way to start the day, unless you're having one statin for lower cholesterol level, such as atorvastatin or simvastatin. Patients should avoid grapefruit completely when taking statins because they accentuate the side effects of the drug.

What is the most common side effect?

Muscle pains. However, oranges and lemons can be eaten while taking statins.

 

 

The Exception

Fatty foods goes with antifungal drugs

In this case, yes. Every rule has its exception, and this one is particularly delicious. When taking antifungal medications, such as griseofulvin to fight a fungal skin infection, feel free to order a burger and fries. These drugs work best when taken with fatty foods.

 

 

How to prevent Drug-Food Interaction

You can follow these simple steps to avoid such things.

Try to limit consuming alcohol when you are on medication.

Try to limit you grape juice or else ask your pharmacist.

Always know how to take the Drug.

Always ask your pharmacist when you are in doubt.

Do not hesitate to ask your doctor if you are experiencing an unwanted reaction.

 
 

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Hi all, i am pharmacist by profession and have 10 years of rich experience in drug manufacturing and dispensing of medicine. So i have decided to share my knowledge through this platform.