Learn What Foods Conflict with Certain Medications

You should be aware of the effect some foods and drinks have on the body when taking medications. When your doctor prescribes medications many people don’t think that certain foods or liquids can conflict with the medication, cause a negative reaction, or lessen the effectiveness of the drug. Be sure to contact your doctor about any foods you should avoid when taking certain medications. Here are just a few of the more popular foods and drinks to avoid when taking certain medications.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can conflict with more than 50 medications and supplements including cholesterol lowering drugs, antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, impotence, cold and allergy medicines. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice contains vitamin C that conflicts with an enzyme in the intestines that helps to metabolize these drugs. This prevents the drugs keep from being broken down the way they should be. The fruit can cause either a dangerously high or ineffectively low dosage of the drug in the bloodstream. If you know you will be taking medications, avoid drinking or eating grapefruit for at least 48 hours the effects of the fruit or juice stay in the system for 48 hours.

Milk and other calcium foods can block the absorption of some antibiotics like ciprofloxacin. Depending on the antibiotic, don’t drink milk or other high calcium products at least two hours before or after you take medication. However, drinking a glass of milk with an aspirin or ibuprofen works to prevent stomach irritation. Drinking green tea can increase your chances of getting blood clots. Avoid drinking it if you are taking the blood thinner warfarin.