Steve Plogsted, a pharmacist from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the United States, explained that there are some food ingredients that should not be taken with certain drugs because they can decrease or actually increase the effect of drugs and drug absorption into the body.
It is also feared that some substances in certain foods or medicines will cause dangerous and toxic reactions if the two interact with each other. So, it is highly recommended that you give a break of at least two hours before consuming foods that are taboo.
Cough and Citrus Medicine
According to Plogsted, oranges contain furanocoumarins compounds. These compounds can change the characteristics of cough medicines. In fact, the effects of orange juice can be bad if taken together with certain types of drugs, one of which is high blood pressure medication. The reason can cause muscle damage.
Cholesterol and Grapefruit Medication
Likewise, if you take cholesterol drugs with grapefruit. The content of these fruits can slow down the destruction of the drug and can cause muscle and liver damage.
Antibiotics and Dairy
Milk contains calcium which can interfere with the process of absorption of drugs by the body. By drinking milk, it means that the effectiveness of antibiotics in fighting infections decreases.
Antidepressants and Tiramine
If you are taking antidepressant drugs, you should avoid consuming food items containing tyramine, such as alcohol, cheese, and processed meats within a few hours. These foods can cause an increase in blood pressure when taken with antidepressants.
Allergy Medicine and Apples
Medicines for allergies should not be consumed at the same time or in the vicinity of apples or apple juice because this combination can inhibit the absorption of allergy medications into the body. Give a time interval of about four hours.
Warfarin and Vitamin K Rich Foods
Warfarin or blood thinners when taken with cinnamon, green leafy vegetables, and other foods containing vitamin K can trigger liver damage. These food ingredients will also reduce the effects of warfarin into the body and the wound will heal longer.
Asthma Medicines and Fatty Foods
Asthma drugs, especially theophylline group, when interacting with foods containing high fat will increase the amount of theophylline in the blood and spur the central nervous system to become uncontrolled. According to allergycliniconline.com, if the asthma medication that is not properly absorbed can cause gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea and vomiting to seizures.
