Supplements or food -> drug interactions

In summary, supplements and food can interact with certain medications, potentially leading to adverse effects or reduced effectiveness. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking supplements with prescribed medications, and to read labels and follow instructions carefully to avoid potential interactions. Some common interactions include grapefruit juice with statins, vitamin K with blood thinners, and St. John's Wort with antidepressants. It is also important to be cautious when taking multiple supplements together, as they may contain similar ingredients or interact with each other.
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jim mcnamara
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TL;DR Summary
https://reference.medscape.com/drug-interactionchecker finds references for possible interactions of drugs and supplements
Since supplement sales in North America are multi-billion dollar enterprises and many people take one or more supplements, this is a useful way to find out if there is a problem with a supplement interacting with a food or a drug. Supplements are sometimes prescribed, like Coenzyme Q10 for statin induced myalgia.

Examples: some statins and grapefruit are a bad combination, bisacodyl (a laxative) is inactivated when taken with milk.

The interaction can be be to block, to reduce, or to stimulate the drug response.

https://reference.medscape.com/drug-interactionchecker

It is interesting to play with. It has some limits.
 
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  • #3
Grapefruit is a notoriously bad actor for increasing the rate of uptake for a bunch of drugs...anybody know why?
 
  • #4
You asked
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.669.7074&rep=rep1&type=pdf
It is well known that grapefruits and grapefruit juice (GFJ) cause clinically important inhibition of the activity of intestinal CYP3A subfamily, mainly of the CYP3A4 form, and thus increases the oral bioavailability of many CYP3A4 substrates that undergo high presystemic metabolism even if consumed in normal quantities
Short answer: it speeds up the effects of an enzyme group. Which in turn increases the absorption rate of several groups of chemically similar drugs. And speeds up their biochemical effects. Sometimes dangerously.

Think: overdose

This is the opposite of blocking, the result is like taking too many meds orally at one time. From taking the correct dose.
 
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If you are running an old browser, DO NOT BELIEVE THE GIVEN RESPONSE OF 'No Result' or 'No Interactions Found'.

I tried various combinations of Levothyroxine with Calcium Carbonate and received 'No Result' and 'No Interactions Found' using Firefox 43.0.1.

The information sheet that comes with Levothyroxine specifically warns against that combination.
 
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1. Can supplements interact with prescription medications?

Yes, supplements can interact with prescription medications. Some supplements can affect the way prescription drugs are absorbed, metabolized, or eliminated from the body, potentially causing adverse reactions or reducing the effectiveness of the medication. It is important to inform your doctor about any supplements you are taking before starting a new medication.

2. What are some common supplements that may interact with medications?

Some common supplements that may interact with medications include St. John's Wort, Ginkgo Biloba, and Fish Oil. St. John's Wort can interact with antidepressants, birth control pills, and blood thinners. Ginkgo Biloba can interact with blood thinners and medications for diabetes and seizures. Fish Oil can interact with blood thinners and medications for high blood pressure.

3. Are there any food-drug interactions to be aware of?

Yes, there are food-drug interactions to be aware of. Certain foods can affect the absorption or metabolism of medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or causing adverse reactions. For example, grapefruit juice can interact with a variety of medications, including statins, blood pressure medications, and some antidepressants.

4. How can I prevent potential interactions between supplements and medications?

To prevent potential interactions between supplements and medications, it is important to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all supplements you are taking. They can help identify potential interactions and advise on the best course of action. It is also important to read the labels and warnings on both supplements and medications to identify any potential interactions.

5. Are there any supplements that are safe to take with medications?

Yes, there are many supplements that are safe to take with medications. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you are taking prescription medications. They can advise on the safety and potential interactions of specific supplements with your current medications.

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