Use Caution Mixing Drugs and Foods

QUESTION: My doctor told me to avoid grapefruit juice with my medicine. I take thyroid hormone along with medication for heartburn, cholesterol and depression. Are there any other foods or beverages that could be dangerous with these drugs?

ANSWER: Great question! Many people taking medications unknowingly eat foods that could cause serious interactions with the drugs. For example, it's possible that eating cheese with MAO drugs used for depression could kill you. Coffee with some SSRI antidepressants could raise blood pressure and increase heart rate. Grapefruit spikes the levels of many medications, including some statin drugs used for cholesterol management.

If you take thyroid medicine, you should space your calcium supplements or dairy at least two hours away from your medication. Go easy on those delicious vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower because they crash your thyroid levels. Soy lowers thyroid hormone too, so if you are prone to thyroid problems, maybe pass on the tofu and soy milk.

Here are other helpful tips:

• Heartburn medication such as Prilosec OTC or Zantac should not be combined with coffee (decaf or regular). The coffee reduces pressure on the esophageal sphincter, causing more reflux.
• Arthritis medicine like ibuprofen and Celebrex should not be combined with alcohol because you can increase your risk of GI bleeding and liver damage.
• Diabetic medication should not be taken within two hours of fiber supplements or bran cereal because they may decrease drug absorption.
• Some diuretics (spironolactone) cause your body to hold on to potassium, so avoid salt substitutes which contain potassium.
• Digoxin used for heart failure should not be taken with oatmeal or bran cereal because the combination can cause life-threatening arrhythmias.