Diet and Drugs Interaction

 Grapefruit: The Silent Saboteur of Your Medication You love the tangy taste of grapefruit, but did you know it could be quietly undermining your health? This seemingly innocent fruit can interact dangerously with a variety of medications, leading to serious side effects. How Does Grapefruit Interfere with Medication? Grapefruit contains compounds that can block a crucial enzyme in your liver called CYP3A4. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down many medications. When inhibited, the levels of these drugs in your bloodstream can skyrocket, causing unexpected and potentially harmful consequences. The Perils of Grapefruit-Drug Interactions The risks associated with grapefruit-drug interactions are significant. Some potential dangers include: Increased side effects: Higher drug concentrations can amplify unwanted effects, ranging from mild discomfort to severe complications.  Reduced medication effectiveness: In some cases, grapefruit can actually diminish the therapeutic be...

 Alendronate and Drug-Diet and Nutrient Interaction Common name: Alendronic acid, bisphosphonates, Fosamax. Alendronate is a member of the bisphosphonate family of drugs used to treat/prevent osteoporosis. It is also used to treat some bone diseases and some cases of cancer that have spread to bones. Interaction with Calcium                                             Calcium supplements may interfere with alendronate absorption. However, one researcher suggested that addition of large amounts of supplemental calcium to alendronate therapy in patients with bone metastases related to prostate cancer might improve clinical outcome. To prevent potential interaction, alendronate should be taken two hours before or after calcium supplements. Interaction with Magnesium                                 ...

 Alprazolam and drug Interaction Common name   Xanax Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorder, and is in a family of drugs known as benzodiazepines.    Interactions of Alprazolam with dietary supplements Vinpocetine : In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine. I nteraction with Herbs Kava : Kava is an herb used to treat anxiety disorder. One individual who took alprazolam and kava together, along with two other medications cimetidine and terazosin was hospitalized in a lethargic and disoriented condition. Individual should not take alprazolam and kava together unless supervised by doctor. Alcohol : Drinking alcoholic beverages while taking alprazolam may increase side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness. Consequently, people taking alprazolam should avoid drinking alcohol when they must stay al...

 Allopurinol and Nutrients Interaction Common Names:  Apo-Allopurinol, Caplenal, Cosuric, Lopurim, Xanthomax, Zyloric Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor used to prevent gout and to lower blood levels of uric acid in certain people taking drug for cancer. Allopurinol interaction with dietary supplements Vitamin D                Individuals with gout have low blood concentration of the active form of vitamin D, and allopurinol corrects this problem.     L- Carnitine                      People who have Duchenne muscular dystrophy have low levels of L-Carnitine in their muscles. Allopurinol restores L. Carnitine in their muscles. Allopurinol restores L-Carnitine to normal levels, resulting in improved muscle strength. L- Tryptophan                           In a preliminary study, seven of eight individu...

 Beverage Effects on drug disposition Fluid intake                        Drug absorption is affected by fluid intake. The rate of drug absorption may be decreased by intake of large volume of fluids such as soft drinks. Colas containing phosphate and sugar may decrease the rate of drug absorption because they delay the rate of stomach emptying. However, the efficiency of drug absorption may be increased by concurrent intake of beverages. Reasons include speedier dissolution of the drug, osmotic effects, or change in the surface area of the intestinal mucosa to which the drug molecules are exposed. Further, the temperature, composition and volume of beverage may also effect its absorption. Milk and Milk Formulas                                            Ingestion of milk has long been known to interfere with the a...

 Albuterol-Drug and Food Interactions Common name : Aerolin, Aeromir, Albuterol inhaled, Alti-salbutamol sulfate, Gen-sulbutamol Combination drug: Combivent  Albuterol is a short acting, beta- adrenergic bronchodilator drug used for relief and prevention of bronchospasm. It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. While albuterol is present in tablet form, it is usually administered by oral inhalation into the lungs DRUG-NUTRIENT INTERACTION OF ALBUTEROL Interaction with dietary Supplements  Therapeutic amounts of intravenous salbutamol in four healthy people were associated with decreased plasma levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphate and potassium. These nutrients may be beneficial in depletion or interference with drug’s action.  Interaction with herbs Digitalis: Digitalis refers to a family of plants commonly called foxglove that contains digitalis glycosides, chemicals with actions and toxicities similar to the prescription drug digoxin.  Col...

  Acebutolol-Drug and Food Interactions Common name : Sectral Combination drug : Secradex Acebutolol is a medication primarily used to manage hypertension, and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It belongs to a class of drugs called beta blockers. Uses: Acebutolol is effective in reducing blood pressure and preventing complications associated with high blood pressure.  Acebutolol helps control certain types of arrhythmias by regulating the electrical activity of the heart. Potential Side Effects   Common side effects include  Dizziness  Fatigue  Cold hands and feet  Shortness of breath  Weight gain  Sleep disturbance   DRUG-NUTRIENT INTERACTION OF ACEBUTOLOL Interaction with dietary Supplements Some beta-adrenergic blockers decrease the uptake of potassium from the blood into the cells, leading to excess potassium in the blood, a potentially dangerous condition called hyperkalemia. People taking potassium supplements or eating l...

 BLOOD THINNERS AND YOUR PLATE Having blood thinners mean eating boring and tasteless bland food? The answer is NO. You just need to be consistent with your treatment and then your don’t have to sacrifice flavor or variety. Let’s explore some mindful and tasteful and absolutely safe recipe ideas to inspire your kitchen adventure. In the previous blog of “Blood Thinners and Diet: A delicate Balance” we discussed food choices. Go back and take a look. In this blog, we will talk diet plan. BREAKFAST: Oatmeal with berries: A delicious choice enriched with fiber and antioxidants. Scrambled egg with onions and tomatoes and little spinach too because you don’t have to eliminate just limit intake for a while. Avocado toast with smoked salmon. LUNCH Grilled chicken salad with vinaigrette seasoning. Lentil soup with whole grain bread or chapatti Dinner: Chicken breast steamed with roasted asparagus and quinoa Chicken stir fry with roasted vegetables Beans and brown rice with vegetables Snack...

 CLOTTING AND ANTICOAGULANTS Blood thinners or Anticoagulants are medicines that prevent blood clots from forming in the bloodstream. This reduces the risk of medical problems that are caused by blood clots such as  heart attacks, strokes, thrombosis and embolism.  Before understanding the mode of action of warfarin, we’ll explore the clotting phases first.             Let’s Go!                          There are 4 phases of blood clotting which  are; Vascular phase: After initial injury a brief period of arteriolar vasoconstriction occurs. As a result of reflex neurogenic mechanisms. It is augmented by the local secretion of factors such as endothelin. The effect is transient. Platelet phase: Blood vessel wall, endothelial cells, prevent platelet adhesion and aggregation. platelet contain receptors for fibrinogen and von-Will brand factor. After vessel inj...

 BLOOD THINNERS AND DIET: A DELICATE BALANCE Navigating a diet while on blood thinners can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. Let’s explore thinners and food chemistry and break it down to manage conditions effectively. Blood thinners or anticoagulants are medications are prescribed to prevent harmful blood clots from forming. These clots can be dangerous, potentially leading to heart attacks, strokes or embolism. Patients at risk of blood clots, such as with artificial heart valves, or a history of blood clots may require blood clots may require blood thinners like warfarin. Drug Metabolism of blood thinners: Warfarin are primarily metabolized by the liver’s cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes system. This CYP enzyme system include CYP2C9, CYP1A2 , CYP3Ad, and CYP2C19. These enzymes breakdown the drug into inactive metabolites which are excreted from the body. But metabolism for different thinners are different from others as newer thinner like dabigat...

  THE HIDDEN DANCE: DIET-DRUG INTERACTION AND      EFFECT ON BODY We’ve all heard the advice to take medication with food or on an empty stomach. But have you ever wondered why?  The intricate interplay between food and medicine is a crucial factor in determining how effectively your medications work. Let’s delve into the world of diet and drug interaction, where every bite can influence the power of your prescription.   A drug is a substance that is used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or to relieve symptoms. Diet refers to the overall pattern of food choices that make up a person’s daily habits. The complex interaction between food, nutrients, and drugs make it difficult to accurately determine the exact effects of their relationship in body. Diet and drug interaction occurs when certain foods or nutrients in your diet can interfere with absorption, metabolism, or effectiveness of medication. The interaction between diet and drugs can ha...