Things that should not be taken with drugs

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As you know, some drugs will not work or even be counterproductive if taken together. However, in reality, what you eat and drink can affect the medication you are taking.

1. Grapefruit

This citrus fruit can change the way certain cells in your intestines get into and move drugs into your body. Grapefruit can affect more than 50 drugs. It can make the effects of medicines such as fexofenadine (Allegra) less effective and make other people react too strongly, including medicines intended to lower cholesterol such as atorvastatin ( Lipitor).

2. Milk

Milk can make it hard for your body to process certain antibiotics. Minerals in milk like calcium and magnesium are part of the reason. If you're on antibiotics, you should learn about foods or drinks you should stay away from.

3. Licorice

Some people use licorice as an herbal remedy to help with digestion, and others use it to flavor foods. But glycyrrhizin, a chemical found in licorice, can weaken the effects of some drugs, including cyclosporine, which is used to help transplant patients accept and adapt to new organs. .

4. Chocolate

Especially dark chocolate can weaken the effect of drugs. It may also increase the response of some stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin). And if you take an MAO inhibitor, which is used to treat depression, chocolate can cause your blood pressure to rise dangerously high.

5. Iron

Iron supplements may decrease the effects of levothyroxine (Synthroid), a medicine that gives thyroid hormone when your body doesn't get enough (hypothyroidism). If you take this medication and a multivitamin, you should check to see if the vitamin has iron in it. If you need iron supplements, ask your doctor about taking them.

6. Alcohol

Alcohol can make some medications less effective or even ineffective, such as blood pressure medications. Drinking alcohol while on medication can cause dangerous side effects

7. Coffee

Coffee can reduce the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs such as lithium, clozapine and increase the side effects of the drug. These include aspirin, epinephrine (used to treat severe allergic reactions), and albuterol (used for breathing problems). Alcohol can also make it harder for your body to absorb and replenish iron.

8. Antihistamines

Using antihistamines can make high blood pressure worse and your heart rate increased. It is advisable to consult a doctor to control allergic reactions when you take blood pressure medication

9. Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)

AEDs are used to control seizures in people with epilepsy. But AEDs can make birth control pills less effective if you're taking both drugs at the same time. Some studies show that AEDs can make certain medications stronger and cause serious side effects.

10. Vitamin K

If you take the drug warfarin - used to treat and prevent blood clots - you should be aware of your vitamin K intake. Vitamin K can put you at risk of dangerous blood clots. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, parsley and spinach are some of the most common foods high in vitamin K. Try to eat the same amount of these foods each day to keep your blood warfarin levels in check. Yours stays the same.

11. Ginseng

Using ginseng may also decrease the effects of warfarin. And it can make you more prone to internal bleeding if you take the blood thinners heparin or aspirin, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen. If you take MAO inhibitors, ginseng can cause headaches, trouble sleeping, hyperactivity, and nervousness.

12. John's Wort . Herbs

This herb is used to help people with depression, it is not a treatment. John's wort may release enzymes in the liver and weaken the effects of certain medications, including drugs such as lovastatin (Altoprev and Mevacor), erectile dysfunction drugs sildenafil (Viagra), and digoxin (Lanoxin). ), used to treat certain heart conditions.

13. Ginkgo tree

Some people use this herb to help or prevent high blood pressure, dementia, tinnitus (tinnitus) and other conditions. Ginkgo might weaken the effects of medicines used to control seizures, including carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, and Tegretol) and valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote, and Stavzor).

14. Follow directions

Only about 50% of drugs are taken as prescribed. People often take less than they need, take them at random times, or use them erratically - all of which can make a medication less effective. You should strictly follow your treatment plan and follow your doctor's instructions.
When using the drug, there are certain foods you should limit or use together to achieve the best effect of the drug and avoid serious side effects that affect the healing process.

If you have unusual symptoms, you should be examined and consulted with a specialist.

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Reference article source: Webmd.com