Drug-food interactions

Definition

Drug-food interactions occur when food and drink affect the absorption, metabolism, or efficacy of a medication. These interactions can lead to reduced therapeutic effects or increased risk of side effects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Certain foods can enhance or inhibit the absorption of medications, affecting their effectiveness.
2. Grapefruit juice is known to interfere with enzymes that metabolize many drugs, potentially leading to toxic levels in the bloodstream.
3. High-fat meals can delay the absorption of some medications, while others require fat for proper absorption.
4. Calcium-rich foods and dairy products can bind with certain antibiotics like tetracycline, reducing their effectiveness.
5. Vitamin K-rich foods such as spinach and kale can counteract the effects of blood thinners like warfarin.

Review Questions

• How does grapefruit juice affect drug metabolism?
• Why should patients taking tetracycline avoid consuming dairy products?
• Which nutrient-rich foods might interfere with blood thinner medications?

Related terms

Absorption:

The process by which a drug enters the bloodstream from its site of administration.

Metabolism:

The biochemical modification of pharmaceutical substances by living organisms, usually through specialized enzymatic systems.

Therapeutic Effect: The desired beneficial effect of a drug on a specific condition or disease.