Food and Medication Interactions
Keep Safe by Understanding Food and Drug Interactions
What is a Food and Drug Interaction
Certain foods and herbs (garlic and ginko biloba are two examples) can produce unfavorable interactions with some medications you might be taking. When a food and drug interact negatively it can impede drug absorption or increase drug potency. This can reduce drug effectiveness, cause serious side effects or other problems.
Tips for Avoiding a Food and Drug Interaction
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist when taking prescription drugs about potential food and drug interactions.
- Don't change medication dosage or eliminate foods you regularly eat without speaking with your physician. Your doctor may be able to adjust your medication level so you can continue eating certain foods.
- Learn from your doctor if it is best to take a medication with food or on an empty stomach.
- Visit the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) website or the website for the specific medication you are taking to learn about food and drug interactions. ASK YOUR DOCTOR AND/OR PHARMACIST.
Common Food and Drug Interactions
- Grapefruit in particular impacts the potency of some drugs. If you are taking statin drugs avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
- Penicillin absorption decreases with food.
- Cardiovascular medications absorption may decrease with food.
- High vitamin K foods (such as kale, collard greens and spinach) can effect the action of certain anti-clotting drugs.
Related Links
FDA information on food and drug interactions
