Nutrient-Drug Interactions and Food

Quick Facts...

• Medications need to be taken at different times relative to meals.
• Drugs and medications can interact with nutrients in food.
• Consult a physician when health problems persist.
• During pregnancy and nursing always consult a physician or pharmacist before taking any medication. Drugs taken by the mother may affect the infant.
• Take all medications only with water, unless otherwise advised.
• Check with a doctor or pharmacist for the proper way and time to take medication.

It is a difficult and complex problem to accurately determine the effects of food and nutrients on a particular drug. There are many dramatic results or problems caused by food-drug, drug-drug and alcohol-food-drug interactions. The following table is designed to help the reader become more knowledgeable about drug interactions and their effect on food, a nutrient or another drug that may produce unexpected results or cause additional health problems. Be sure to listen to and abide by all recommendations and advice of your doctor and pharmacist.

Generic Drugs

Generic drugs often are substituted for brand-name counterparts. They usually are more economical than brand-name drugs. Possible exceptions might be enteric-coated aspirin.

Patients may have concerns about the quality, efficacy, potency or consistency of generic drugs. Generics are therapeutically equivalent to brands approved and rated by the Food and Drug Administration. Many are made by major brand-name companies.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs

Points to remember:

• OTC drugs usually are meant only to relieve symptoms, not cure a disease or illness.
• Improper use can make symptoms worse or conceal a serious condition that should be brought to a doctor's attention. Never take OTC drugs longer than recommended on the label. If symptoms persist or if new symptoms occur, see a doctor.
• Read the label carefully before taking an OTC product and every time an OTC product is bought. There may be important changes in indications, warnings or directions.
• People with allergies or chronic health problems should be especially careful to read the ingredient, warning and caution statements carefully. If there are any questions, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
• Check expiration dates from time to time. Destroy, in the safest way possible, any drugs that are outdated or that have deteriorated, such as discolored eyedrops or ointment, or vinegar-smelling aspirin.
• Keep all drugs and medications out of the reach of children.
• When pregnant or nursing a baby, check with a health professional before taking any drugs.

Aspirin vs. Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen (see Table 2)

Aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen all have analgesic (pain control) and antipyretic (fever control) properties. Only aspirin and ibuprofen also contain anti-inflammatory properties. Acetaminophen does not produce the stomach or intestinal irritation or allergic reactions that aspirin can. Gastrointestinal side effects observed with aspirin are greatly reduced with ibuprofen, although patients with aspirin hypersensitivity can have similar reactions.

To reduce stomach upset from ibuprofen, take it with food or an antacid. Avoid alcohol or aspirin with ibuprofen.

Naproxen sodium, which has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties, is indicated for the same conditions as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen but should not be taken with them. Anyone who generally has three or more alcoholic drinks per day should consult a physician on when and how to take naproxen sodium and other pain relievers.

¹J. Anderson, Colorado State University Extension foods and nutrition specialist and professor; and H. Hart, associate specialist; food science and human nutrition. 12/96. Revised 12/08.

Go to top of this page.