The way medications are consumed can directly interfere with their effectiveness and safety. The combination with other medicines, as well as with certain foods, drinks or even everyday habits, can influence the effect or even increase the risk of unwanted reactions. Therefore, care and proper guidance are necessary to ensure that the treatment works correctly.

“Some foods can alter the absorption, metabolization or even enhance the effects of medications. Therefore, it is essential to correctly follow the instructions usage guidelines and, whenever possible, ask questions to a healthcare professional”, advises Lincoln Cardoso, coordinator of the Pharmacy course at Faculdade Anhanguera.

Below, check out some combinations between medicines and foods that should be avoided!

1. Milk and antibiotics

The consumption of milk and dairy products with some antibiotics can impair the absorption of the medication by the body. This happens because the calcium present in these foods can bind to the active ingredient of the medicine, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, the ideal is to maintain an interval between taking antibiotics and dairy products, always based on the guidance of a trusted pharmacist.

2. Alcohol and medications in general

The ingestion of alcoholic beverages during the use of medications should be avoided. Alcohol can increase side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness, in addition to overloading the liver, the organ responsible for metabolizing many substances. In some cases, the combination can be dangerous.

3. Coffee and stimulant or anxiolytic medications

Caffeine can interfere with the action of some medications, especially those that act on the central nervous system. In some cases, it can increase effects such as agitation and anxiety; in others, it can reduce the effect of calming, anxiolytic and sedative medications.

4. High-fat foods and certain medications

Very fatty meals can delay absorption of some medications, delaying the onset of the effect. In other cases, they can even increase absorption in an uncontrolled way, increasing the risk of side effects. The general rule is to take medications 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

5. Juice grapefruit (grapefruit) and various medicines

Although not so common in Brazil, juice from grapefruit It is known to interfere with the action of several medications, especially those used for cholesterol and blood pressure. It can increase the concentration of the medication’s active ingredient in the body, increasing the risk of adverse reactions and side effects.

6. Dark green vegetables and blood thinners

Foods such as kale, spinach and broccoli are rich in vitamin K, which can interfere with the action of anticoagulant medications. This does not mean they should be avoided completely, but it is important to maintain a balanced and constant consumption.

Always follow the guidelines

According to Professor Lincoln Cardoso, the main precaution is to avoid self-medication and always follow the instructions given in the leaflet or by a healthcare professional. “Small habits, such as taking the medicine with water and respecting the schedule, make all the difference in the results of the treatment”, he concludes.

By Priscila Dezidério