NUTRITION-DRUG

INTERACTION

“A drug is taken to prevent or treat sickness and disease”

Absorption

Distribution

Metabolism

Excretion

How Nutrient-Drug Interaction takes place?

Food(nutrients

)

Used by the body

Energy

Nutrient drug interaction

the body is unable to use a nutrient due to a drug that has been taken

Adverse Effects of Nutrient-Drug Interactions

Some drugs may affect the absorption of nutrients

Some foods, for example, those containing caffeine, can amplify or modify the effects of certain drugs

DRUG

INDICATION

POSSIBLE EFFECTS

COUMADIN

Anticoagulant (blood thinner)

Vitamin K is a nutrient in the body that helps blood to clot

It will interfere with a blood thinner

POSSIBLE EFFECTS

Vitamin K is present in foods such as green, leafy vegetables and fish.

DILANTIN

Anticonvulsant (anti-seizure)

POSSIBLE EFFECTS

Vitamin D and folic acid levels in the body are decreased by taking these types of drugs

NORVASC

Antihypertensive (for high blood pressure)

POSSIBLE EFFECTSConsuming foods high in sodium (i.e., processed meats, canned foods) will decrease the effectiveness of the drug

ASPIRIN

Anti-inflammatory/pain reliever

POSSIBLE EFFECTS

Taking large amounts of these drugs will cause a loss of Vitamin C in the body.

TETRACYCLINE

Antibiotic

POSSIBLE EFFECTS

• Calcium may interact with the effectiveness of the antibiotic.

• Avoid dairy products for two to three hours before and after taking the medicine.

LIPITOR/ZOCOR

Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs)

POSSIBLE EFFECTS

Antioxidants (Vitamin A, C, E, B, folic acid) may interact with the drug by reversing its effect.

LASIX

Diuretic (water-eliminating)

POSSIBLE EFFECTS

The Drug may decrease appetite thus decreasing

nutrient intake.

Impact of Food on Effectiveness of a Drug

Nutrients in food may either delay absorption into the body or speed up elimination from the body, either or which can impact a drug's effectiveness

The acidic ingredients in fruit juices are capable of decreasing the power of antibiotics such as penicillin

Many medications that are taken to fight depression can be dangerous if mixed with beverages

Impact of Drug on Nutritional Status

Drugs may cause a increase or decrease in appetite, leading to a increase or decrease in nutrient intake

Nutritional status may also be impacted by a drug's effect on the three main nutrients

Carbohydrates

Fat Protein

A drug may speed up or slow down the breakdown of these three nutrients, which are essential to the body's functioning

When a drug affects the absorption of nutrients from food into the body, less energy is available to be used by the body

TIPS FOR AVOIDING INTERACTIONS

Be sure to read the label on a prescription medicine and ask a pharmacist or physician if something is not clear.

Read all directions, warnings, and any possible side effects printed on all drug labels and information in the package

Always take medications with a full glass of water

A drug may not work correctly if a medicine is taken improperly; do not stir medication into food or take apart capsules (unless told to do so).

Contd..

Take vitamin and mineral supplements before or after medicine, as they may interact with certain drugs.

Avoid stirring drugs into hot drinks such as coffee because the drug's effectiveness can be destroyed by the hot temperature.

Do not drink alcohol when taking any medicine.