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ASK YOUR PHARMACIST

Food And Drug Interaction

The time of the day whenmedication(s) is taken can make a difference in how well the medication is absorbed into the body. A food-drug interaction can occur when the food you eat affects the ingredients in a medication you are taking, preventing the medicine from working the way it should. It can happen with both prescription and over-thecounter medications, including antacids, vitamins, and iron pills when taken with meals. Some nutrients can affect the way you metabolize certain drugs by binding with drug ingredients, thus reducing their absorption or speeding their elimination. For example, the acidity of fruit juice may decrease the effectiveness of antibiotics such as penicillin. Dairy products may blunt the infection-fighting effects of tetracycline. Antidepressants (called MAO inhibitors) are dangerous when mixed with foods or drinks that contain tyramine (i.e., beer, red wine, and some cheeses). Not all medications are affected by food, but many can be affected by what you eat and when you eat it. Sometimes, taking medications at the same time you eat may interfere with the way your stomach and intestines absorb medication. Other medications are recommended to be taken with food. For diabetic patients the ingestion of glucose lowering drugs like Glipizide is recommended 30 minutes before meals for better effect. Be sure to ask your physician or pharmacist for specific directions on eating prior to or after taking any medication.

What you should remember about food-drug interactions:
Read prescription labels on the container, read directions, warnings, interactions and precautions printed on all medication labels and package inserts.
· Even over-the-counter medications can cause problems
· Take medication with a full glass of water.
· Do not stir medication into your food or take capsules apart (unless directed by your
physician). This may change the way the drug works.
· Do not take vitamin pills at the same time you take medication - vitamins and minerals can
interact with some drugs.
· Do not mix medication into hot drinks, because the heat from the drink may destroy the
effectiveness of the drug

Some examples: When taking:
1. Antibiotics e.g. Ciprofloxacin (cipro),Levofloxacin (Levaquin), or Tetracycline’s (doxycycline,monocycline) avoid dairy products
2. Isoniazid (INH) used to treat TB. Or if your are taking antidepressant called MAO inhibitors (phenelzine and tranylcyprom
ine). Avoid tyramine-rich food
3. Itraconazole (Sporanox); Take this capsule right after a full meal. Do not take antacids for at least two hours after taking capsule
4. Metronidazole / Disulfiram, can cause severe alcohol intoxication reaction. Flushing, syncope, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, headache, tachycardia, anxiety, confusion “You will be sick as a Dog!” Avoid alcohol.
5. When taking Warfarin , maintain a consistent diet, which should not contain excessive amounts of vitamin K rich food.
Avoid: kale, parsley, green teas

Lastly and importantly if you do not understand something, or think you need more information on Drug and Food Interaction,
call 1-866-376-FOBI(3624) or your healthcare provider. You deserve to know!
William Fobi,Pharm. D
Fobi Comprehensive Pharmacy:
1-866-376-FOBI (3624)

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