Will your medication and food fight?

We all need food, and some of us need medication. Sometimes, having both is like having a cat and a dog. Putting them in the same room may end in the start of a fight where we get caught in the crossfire, and we may even get seriously injured.

Unfortunately, our foods and our medications can interact, which is why reputable pharmacies, when dispensing medications, will give instructions as to how to take them in relation to meals. It is important to note, though, that some specific foods may interact with your medication, and some of these will be highlighted.

The interaction between food and medications isn't always bad as there are some medications that should be taken with food such as NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen [Advil] and naproxen [Aleve]) and prednisone (an oral steroid). It is also important to note that diabetes medications should not usually be taken if there is no intention to eat, but hypertension medications can be.

Alcohol and medication

Alcohol, though not a food, strictly speaking, can interact with many medications. It should generally be avoided when taking medications unless specifically told otherwise, including over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs. It is harsh on the stomach, and so medications that are also harsh should not be combined with it. It may also cause drowsiness, and meds that also cause this should be avoided. These include allergy meds like DPH, sedatives (sleep aids), and opiates (like codeine).

treating blood clots

Warfarin is a medication used in the treatment and prevention of serious blood clots. It can interact with foods with large amounts of vitamin K such as liver and green leafy vegetables. Cranberry, ginger, alcohol, and garlic should also be avoided.

Grapefruit is another wolf in sheep's clothing as it interacts with many medications, including some hypertension and seizures meds. If you are on medication and contemplating having some grapefruit juice, consult with a pharmacist.

Caffeine is present not only naturally in some foods and drinks, but is also added to some drinks. It interacts with ephedrine, quinolone antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin), some asthma medications, circulation and anti-clotting medications (e.g. aspirin and other NSAIDs, warfarin and heparin and clopidogrel), and even oestrogens.

Dairy products and other sources of calcium should be avoided with tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. Also, high amounts of fibre may slow down the absorption of metformin, levothyroxine (for hypothyroidism), digoxin, and penicillin. Vitamin C may interact with some allergy meds.