Food and Medication Interactions
Stable Vit. K intake is recommended. Limit
foods that are high in Vit. K – Kale, Broccoli,
clotting in blood Spinach, Brussel Sprouts, other leafy green
Avoid Vit. A & E supplements. Avoid herbal teas that contain coumarin.
Avoid taking medicine with high bran fiber
and high pectin foods (eg. jellies), may decrease drug absorption. Diet high in Potassium and low in Sodium is encouraged. Caution with Calcium/Vit D supplement – may increase drug effect and risk of toxicity.
Lowering blood Low Sodium/Salt is recommended. Do not
use salt substitute with potassium, and do not
take potassium supplements. Avoid licorice. If you are lactose intolerant, you may also get gas or diarrhea from this pill.
Preventing fluid Low Sodium/Salt is recommended. Eating
tomatoes, potatoes) is encouraged unless your
doctor tells you otherwise. In some cases, a
potassium supplement is prescribed with this med. Hydrochlorothiazide – caution with Calcium or Vit. D supplement-risk of hypercalcemia.
Lowering blood Low Sodium/Salt is recommended.
With Diabetes-may mask signs of low blood
sugar. Propranolol-Calcium & Vit. C supplement may decrease absorption of med. Atenolol-Calcium supplement may decrease absorption of med.
Designed by: Anne Lee, RD. Montachusett Opportunity Council Elder Services Funded by: A Federal Grant under Title III of the Older Americans Act through the Mass. Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Central Mass Agency on Aging.
Food and Medication Interactions (cont’d)
Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice 2 hr
before/after dose. Verapamil-Calcium & Vit. D supplement may decrease effect of drug.
Take antacids, multivitamin supp., Calcium,
Iron, or Zinc supplements or dairy products 2
hrs before or after taking medication. Limit Caffeine intake. Flagyl-Avoid ALL alcohol
Follow prescribed diet and instructions on
Stay away from foods that are high in total
carbohydrates, unless the food item is also very
high in fiber. Foods high in carbs, and low in
fiber include cakes, pastries, sweetened fruit, and regular soda. Discuss specifics with a dietitian.
This med may cause water retention, so having
a low salt/sodium diet can help your body to
Higher Calcium intake (Milk, Cheese, Broccoli,
Sardine with bones) is recommended. May increase appetite-have low calorie snacks (sugar-free jello, plain crackers, fresh fruit).
Limit regular coffee, tea and cola or other
Avoid foods with tyramine (all aged, fermented,
preserved cheeses and meats, overripe fruits,
Brewer’s yeast containing products). Please speak with a dietitian to get a complete list of foods containing tyramine.
Designed by: Anne Lee, RD. Montachusett Opportunity Council Elder Services Funded by: A Federal Grant under Title III of the Older Americans Act through the Mass. Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Central Mass Agency on Aging.
Things to Remember:
Take medications as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Water is the safest liquid for swallowing a pill. Check with your doctor first before you use any other liquids for your medication. Questions about food-drug interaction can also be directed to a dietitian or a nurse.
Always carry a list of prescribed and over-the-counter medications and supplements that you’re taking. Also include eye drops, inhalers, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine use.
Questions to ask when prescribed a new Tips to have low salt medication:
§ What is the generic and brand name of the drug?
§ What is the medication supposed to do?
§ How do I take the medication and how much?
§ When and for how long should I be taking the
§ What foods do I need to avoid or eat more of?
§ What are the side effects, and what should I do if
§ What side effects should I report immediately?
Sources: ü Home Care Companion: How to manage medications. Videotape.
ü Pronsky, Zaneta. Food-Medication Interactions. 10th ed.
Pottstown, PA: Powers and Moore’s, 1997.
Designed by: Anne Lee, RD. Montachusett Opportunity Council Elder Services Funded by: A Federal Grant under Title III of the Older Americans Act through the Mass. Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Central Mass Agency on Aging.
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