Learn What Foods Conflict with Certain Medications

You should be aware of the effect some foods and drinks have on the body when taking medications. When your doctor prescribes medications many people don't think that certain foods or liquids can conflict with the medication, cause a negative reaction, or lessen the effectiveness of the drug. Be sure to contact your doctor about any foods you should avoid when taking certain medications. Here are just a few of the more popular foods and drinks to avoid when taking certain medications.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can conflict with more than 50 medications and supplements including cholesterol lowering drugs, antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, impotence, cold and allergy medicines. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice contains vitamin C that conflicts with an enzyme in the intestines that helps to metabolize these drugs. This prevents the drugs keep from being broken down the way they should be. The fruit can cause either a dangerously high or ineffectively low dosage of the drug in the bloodstream. If you know you will be taking medications, avoid drinking or eating grapefruit for at least 48 hours the effects of the fruit or juice stay in the system for 48 hours.

Milk and other calcium foods can block the absorption of some antibiotics like ciprofloxacin. Depending on the antibiotic, don't drink milk or other high calcium products at least two hours before or after you take medication. However, drinking a glass of milk with an aspirin or ibuprofen works to prevent stomach irritation. Drinking green tea can increase your chances of getting blood clots. Avoid drinking it if you are taking the blood thinner warfarin.

Cranberry juice, as good as it taste, can also affect the absorption of some medications. The acid in the juice can temporarily change the function of the kidney. Drinking cranberry juice can cause the drugs to build up in the body or be released to soon out of the body. Fiber supplements can conflict with tricyclic antidepressants, diabetes medication, digoxin, penicillin, and certain cholesterol lowering drugs. Most fiber supplements are pretty safe to take if not taken several hours before taking the medications. Dietary supplements such as St. John's wort, Echinacea, garlic, ginger, and ginkgo biloba can conflict with a number of drugs ranging from aspirin to high blood pressure.

Always check with your doctor before taking any supplement, particular foods or drinks when taking medications. Also, never keep medications or supplements in a place where temperatures can get hot or cold. Humidity can prevent the effectiveness of the drug or supplement. Always throw away the cotton ball that is inside many drug bottles when you first open it.