Many people ask their doctor whether medications can be taken together, but fewer consider that food and drinks can also play a role.
Certain common foods can change how the body absorbs or breaks down prescription medications, according to AARP.
Grapefruit and statins
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect the breakdown of several cholesterol-lowering statins.
This can lead to higher concentrations of the medication in the bloodstream.
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Dairy products and antibiotics
Milk, cheese, and yogurt contain calcium, which can make it more difficult for the body to absorb certain antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline, and ciprofloxacin. This may reduce the treatment’s effectiveness against infections.
Tyramine-rich foods
Smoked and cured meats, aged cheeses, fermented foods, soy products, and very ripe bananas contain tyramine.
These foods can cause problems for people who use MAO inhibitors.
Risk of high blood pressure
The combination of MAO inhibitors and tyramine can cause blood pressure to rise suddenly and significantly.
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For this reason, it is often recommended to avoid these foods during treatment.
Licorice and prescription medications
Black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that can affect blood pressure and heart rhythm.
Licorice may also worsen side effects associated with medications such as blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, and MAO inhibitors.
Potassium-rich foods and ACE inhibitors
Bananas, avocados, tomatoes, and dried apricots are rich in potassium.
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When combined with certain ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure, they can increase potassium levels in the body.
Effects on the heart
Excessive potassium levels can, in some cases, lead to irregular heart rhythms.
As a result, limiting large amounts of potassium-rich foods is often recommended.
Fruit juice and medication
Apple juice, orange juice, and grapefruit juice can affect the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications.
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Some of these beverages can reduce the amount of medication absorbed by the body.
Allergy medications can also be affected
Acidic juices may also reduce the absorption of antihistamines such as fexofenadine.
This can make the medication less effective in controlling allergy symptoms.
High-fiber diets and medications
Foods high in fiber, including walnuts and products made with soy flour, can make it more difficult for the body to properly absorb levothyroxine and digoxin.
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Green vegetables and warfarin
Vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and cabbage contain high amounts of vitamin K.
This can affect blood-thinning medications such as warfarin and reduce the drug’s ability to prevent blood clots.
Consistent intake is important
Experts do not necessarily recommend avoiding these vegetables altogether.
Instead, maintaining a consistent and steady intake of vitamin K may help keep the medication’s effects stable.
More side effects
When medication accumulates in the body, the risk of side effects can increase.
Muscle pain is among the possible problems associated with this combination.