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Antibiotics and dairy -

Some antibiotics may interact with dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. This is because dairy products bind to some antibiotics and interfere with their absorption in the bloodstream.

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Antibiotics and dairy -

Antibiotics that can interact with dairy include fluoroquinolones such as moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin.

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Antibiotics and dairy -

Some tetracyclines can also interact with dairy products. The risk can be minimized by avoiding dairy products at least two hours before taking your meds.

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Acetaminophen/paracetamol and alcohol -

You may be tempted to pop some acetaminophen/paracetamol when you’re hungover, but it turns out, it may actually be dangerous to do so.

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Acetaminophen/paracetamol and alcohol -

This is because when Acetaminophen/Paracetamol is combined with alcohol, the risk of liver toxicity increases. While some people are more susceptible to acetaminophen/paracetamol-induced liver toxicity than others, those who drink regularly may be at a higher risk.

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Warfarin and green leafy vegetables -

Warfarin is a popular blood thinner. Green leafy veggies such as kale, spinach, and broccoli, are rich in vitamin K. Vitamin K can make this blood-thinning drug less effective.

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Warfarin and green leafy vegetables -

This doesn’t necessarily mean that a person taking warfarin shouldn’t eat these veggies at all, however. Consistency in the diet is what matters. "I've certainly taken care of people on warfarin who've been stable for a long time and they eat spinach, kale, collard greens, every meal of the day. The problem comes when somebody eats a spinach salad every day for a few weeks until the bag of spinach runs out, and then goes the next week without eating any” explains Tasha Woodall, associate director of pharmacotherapy at the Mountain Area Health Education Center.

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Warfarin and mayonnaise (and certain oils) -

Mayonnaise, as well as oils such as olive oil, soybean, and canola, can also interact with warfarin.

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Diabetes drugs and alcohol -

Alcohol can interact with insulin and other diabetes drugs, putting the patient at risk of either too low (hypoglycemia) or too high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar.

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Blood pressure medications and potassium-rich foods -

Potassium-rich foods such as spinach, avocados, potatoes, and bananas can interfere with blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors.

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Blood pressure medications and potassium-rich foods -

Potassium is important in regulating the heartbeat, maintaining fluid balance, and other functions. Too much of it can, however, interact with certain blood pressure medications and lead to an abnormal heartbeat.

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Blood pressure medications and potassium-rich foods -

A 2019 case report mentions two patients who developed hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood). Both were taking ACE inhibitors along with spironolactone, and had been eating around seven bananas per day over at least a couple of weeks.

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Spironolactone and licorice -

Spironolactone is a diuretic (water pill). Used to treat a number of conditions, including fluid build-up due to heart failure, high blood pressure, and regulating blood potassium levels. Licorice, regardless of how it’s consumed (e.g. candy, tea, etc.), can interact with this drug.

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Spironolactone and licorice -

Licorice uses the same receptors as spironolactone, so the medication won’t be effectively absorbed by the body if taken together.

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Calcium channel blockers and grapefruit -

Calcium channel blockers such as felodipine and nifedipine are used for high blood pressure and angina. These are known to interact with grapefruit, which contains a compound that inhibits an enzyme that metabolizes the drug. This can result in a higher concentration of the drug in your system, which can be dangerous.

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Statins and grapefruit -

The same applies to statins such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, which are used to manage high cholesterol. Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice “ can potentially result in fluctuating levels of that medication in the body," says Mandy Leonard, senior director of pharmacy at Cleveland Clinic.

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Immune-suppressing drugs and chemotherapy drugs with grapefruit -

Those undergoing chemo with vincristine and docetaxel should not be consuming grapefruit. The same goes for those taking immune-suppressing drugs like cyclosporine, often prescribed to patients who had transplants.

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Allergy medications and ED drugs with grapefruit -

Yes, it’s grapefruit again. Both allergy medications containing fexofenadine and ED drugs like Viagra (sildenafil) may be affected by grapefruit consumption.

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Metronidazole and alcohol -

Metronidazole is an antibiotic commonly used to treat infections in the gum, skin, teeth, and conditions such as bacterial vaginosis. Mixing it with alcohol can lead to a number of unpleasant (sometimes severe) side effects.

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Metronidazole and alcohol -

These can range from flushing, sweating, and headaches, to nausea and severe vomiting. The drug interferes with alcohol metabolism, so it’s recommended to wait at least 48h before drinking after taking metronidazole.

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Dopamine drugs and meat/fish -

People with Parkinson's disease have a dopamine deficit in their brains. Medications such as carbidopa and levodopa convert to dopamine in the brain.

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Dopamine drugs and meat/fish -

When consumed with high-protein foods such as meat or fish, it will have to compete with other amino acids to be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. As such, it’s recommended to take these separately from high-protein foods.

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Antihistamines and alcohol -

Some antihistamines, taken for allergies, may have a drowsy effect. Mixing these with alcohol can make the levels of sedation even higher.

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SSRIs and alcohol -

SSRIs are antidepressants that are used in the management of depression and anxiety. Mixing these with alcohol can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding.

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MAOIs and high-tyramine foods -

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine, are commonly used as antidepressants. Foods rich in tyramine, which is an amino acid that helps regulate blood pressure, can negatively interact with MAOIs.

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MAOIs and high-tyramine foods -

High-tyramine foods include aged cheeses, smoked fish, cured meats, tofu, soy sauce, chocolate, and wine, to name a few. Consuming these foods with MAOIs can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure.

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Hypothyroidism drugs and (any) food -

Those diagnosed with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) are often prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid) and told to take it on an empty stomach. This is because any food can block absorption of the drug.

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Ziprasidone and low calorie meals -

Ziprasidone (Geodon) is an antipsychotic drug often prescribed to patients who suffer from schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. While there isn’t a particular food that interacts with it, how much you eat can interact with its absorption.

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Ziprasidone and low calorie meals -

Research shows that meals containing more than 500 calories optimize absorption of ziprasidone.

Sources: (U.S. New) (Cleveland Clinic) (Everyday Health) (Health Digest) (Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia) 

See also: Supercharge your health with these nutrient-dense foods

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