Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Do Not Swallow Your Pills with Certain Beverages

You may be tempted to take pills with a sip of juice, coffee, or beer. Anyhow, water is a safer bet:

  • Grapefruit juice – It may inhibit enzymes that help metabolize certain pills, including some heart drugs and antidepressants. That can make them less effective and worsen side effects.

  • Coffee, tea, cola – Consuming caffeine while using certain asthma drugs may increase side effects. Caffeine can irritate the stomach, so avoid with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.

  • Alcohol – You risk liver damage if you drink regularly and use acetaminophen. Alcohol can diminish the effects of antidepressants and worsen side effects of other drugs.

  • Cranberry juice – Reports suggest drinking it while on warfarin, an anticoagulant, may increase bleeding.

  • Fibre drinks – Fibre can bind with many drugs, decreasing effectiveness.

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