Interactions between medication, food, and herbal remedies can either enhance or reduce the effect of your treatment – and in the worst cases, lead to serious side effects.
Here are some essential things you need to know.
Enzymes in your body play a central role
The body’s enzymes are responsible for breaking down medication, but they can be affected by other substances such as alcohol or other medicines.
If enzymes are inhibited, medication can build up in the body and lead to toxicity – for example, a combination of paracetamol and alcohol.
Two types of medicine can interfere with each other
Medicines that are broken down by the same liver enzymes can either inhibit or enhance each other’s effects.
For instance, fluconazole agianst fungus can slow the breakdown of the blood thinner warfarin, increasing the risk of dangerous bleeding.
Painkillers and blood thinners
NSAID drugs like ibuprofen impair the blood’s ability to clot. When taken together with blood thinners, the risk of internal bleeding increases significantly.
Dairy products can reduce the effect of antibiotics
Calcium in milk can bind with antibiotics like tetracycline in the intestines, preventing proper absorption and making the medication less effective.
Grapefruit juice can make medicine too strong
Grapefruit juice inhibits certain liver enzymes, which means medications like statins (used to lower cholesterol) are broken down more slowly.
This leads to a higher concentration in the blood and increased risk of side effects.
Herbal remedies are not always harmless
Ginkgo biloba can increase the risk of bleeding when combined with blood thinner.
St. John’s Wort (used for mild depression) can reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants like tacrolimus.
Green vegetables can counteract blood thinners
Vegetables like spinach and broccoli are rich in vitamin K, which can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin.
On the flip side, stopping vitamin K intake suddenly can make the medication too strong, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Alcohol and sedatives
Both alcohol and medications that affect the nervous system, like antidepressants or tranquilizers, can amplify each other’s effects.
This can lead to serious side effects and heavy sedation.
Not all medicine should be taken with food
Medications for osteoporosis, such as alendronate, should be taken on an empty stomach, as food can prevent proper absorption.
Timing around meals is especially important for certain medications.
Get your medicine reviewed at the pharmacy
A medication review at your pharmacy can help you identify potential interactions and avoid unpleasant surprises.
This is especially useful if you take multiple medications at once.
This article is based on information from Netdoktor.dk.