Prohibited foods and beverages to preserve medication effects
You surely know that medicines sometimes do not work well together, but what you eat and drink also affects medications. So before taking a medication for the first time, always consult your doctor or pharmacist and gather enough information about the drug to know what foods or drinks you should avoid while taking it. In this section fromSelMagzWe introduce substances that do not work well when combined with medications.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a citrus fruit that affects specific cells in the digestive system, speeding up the movement of drugs in the body and negatively impacting more than 50 medications. It is better to avoid eating it while on medication.
Licorice
Some people use this herbal ingredient to improve digestion or as a flavoring in food, but consuming it alongside medication can weaken the drug’s effectiveness. Therefore, avoid using it during your medication period.
Milk
This dairy product causes the body to process certain antibiotics less efficiently. Minerals like calcium and magnesium in milk, along with proteins and casein, cause issues. If you are taking antibiotics, do not drink milk or consume its components separately.ChocolateDark chocolate reduces the effectiveness of medications, so it is not recommended to consume. It is especially harmful for those with depression or blood pressure issues. Better to avoid eating any chocolate during medication.Iron supplementsIron supplements may reduce the effectiveness of various medications, especially thyroid drugs. Avoid taking them together. Also, check if your multivitamins contain iron, and if so, do not take them with other medications.
Coffee
Coffee weakens the immune system and should not be consumed with medications. Drugs that contain aspirin or are used for allergies or respiratory issues can interact negatively with coffee, causing side effects or reducing effectiveness.AntihistaminesAntihistamines used for hay fever and sneezing should not be taken alongside other medications, especially blood pressure medicines, as they reduce their effectiveness.Anticonvulsant drugsAntiepileptic drugs should not be used with other medications, for example, combining them with pregnancy prevention drugs can be very harmful.
Vitamin K
If you are using medications like warfarin, avoid taking vitamin K simultaneously. It increases risk of bleeding. Usually, it is best to avoid vitamin K alongside other medicines.GinsengGinseng can decrease the effect of medications like warfarin and may cause internal bleeding if used with other drugs.
Selenium (or a specific medication name)
Some people use this for depression, but it’s better to avoid combining it with any other medication, including herbal remedies, as it can have uncontrollable effects.Ginkgo BilobaThis combination medication is used to prevent high blood pressure and depression. Using it with other medications can cause serious and unpredictable problems. Be very careful.Follow your doctor’s instructions exactlyHow your doctor prescribes your medication — the timing, dosage, and frequency — greatly affects its effectiveness. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.GrapefruitConsuming medications with citrus fruits
Milk
Taking medications with milkIron tabletsUsing iron supplements with other medications
Anticonvulsant tablets
Using anticonvulsant drugsAntidepressant medicationsTaking antidepressants with other drugsDrug and food interactionsAntibiotic side effects
Mineral properties of magnesium
Drug interactions with other medicinesDepression treatmentBlood pressure treatment
Thyroid symptoms
Drug interactions with dairy products
Consuming aspirin
Allergy treatment
Side effects of coffee
Rhinorrhea treatment
Causes of seizures
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