If you have been on a strict maintenance drug for quite some time now, you probably know what “after/before meals” and “not to be taken with..” phrases mean. And somehow, you would have guessed at some point that drug reacts with food and there are some combinations you need to avoid in order to make the drug effective or in some cases, avoid complications.

The primary reason why your healthcare provider is adamant that you follow strict orders when prescribed is that sometimes, food interacts with drug in such a way that it hinders the drug’s effectivity making it almost a waste of time taking it. Furthermore, drug-food interaction is not limited to prescription drugs alone—although the odds are much higher—even OTC medications you thought were safe enough to be taken without having to evaluate what your body has as of the moment.

One good example of drug-food interaction is the level of absorption your body has if you take medication at the same time you eat. Naturally, your body is busy processing the food you’re eating thus making the drug you just took less absorbed than it should have been. Ideally, meds are to be taken with an empty stomach to guarantee its effectivity however, there are some drugs that go well with food so make sure you got your doctor’s instructions right before starting on it.

When dealing with drug-food interaction, it is important for seniors to always stay alert. Your first rule is to read labels and ask questions if in doubt especially if dealing with prescription drugs. Be especially aware of contraindications your drug may have since it clearly outlines when the drug is inadvisable to take. Be sure you get the exact dosage your doctor prescribed and not alter dosages at any point. While it’s a common practice to some seniors, breaking a tablet in half then taking it in halves is never a good idea. If, for some reason, you need to lower your dosage, talk with your doctor about it.

Vitamins may look harmless enough to be taken with medications—bad news is, it’s not. While it can be taken any time of the day, its component can react with your meds badly. If you are taking vitamins on a daily basis, it is best to mention the brand name or better yet, bring the vitamin bottle with you when consulting a doctor. This way, he will know exactly what he’s dealing with.

Lastly, it is a big no-no to mix meds with alcohol. For as long as human beings have existed, alcohol and medication never quite got together well—be it a century-old grass-and-bark medicine or the ever modern drug we know of.

If you have been on a strict maintenance drug for quite some time now, you probably know what “after/before meals” and “not to be taken with..” phrases mean. And somehow, you would have guessed at some point that drug reacts with food and there are some combinations you need to avoid in order to make the drug effective or in some cases, avoid complications.

The primary reason why your healthcare provider is adamant that you follow strict orders when prescribed is that sometimes, food interacts with drug in such a way that it hinders the drug’s effectivity making it almost a waste of time taking it. Furthermore, drug-food interaction is not limited to prescription drugs alone—although the odds are much higher—even OTC medications you thought were safe enough to be taken without having to evaluate what your body has as of the moment.

One good example of drug-food interaction is the level of absorption your body has if you take medication at the same time you eat. Naturally, your body is busy processing the food you’re eating thus making the drug you just took less absorbed than it should have been. Ideally, meds are to be taken with an empty stomach to guarantee its effectivity however, there are some drugs that go well with food so make sure you got your doctor’s instructions right before starting on it.

When dealing with drug-food interaction, it is important for seniors to always stay alert. Your first rule is to read labels and ask questions if in doubt especially if dealing with prescription drugs. Be especially aware of contraindications your drug may have since it clearly outlines when the drug is inadvisable to take. Be sure you get the exact dosage your doctor prescribed and not alter dosages at any point. While it’s a common practice to some seniors, breaking a tablet in half then taking it in halves is never a good idea. If, for some reason, you need to lower your dosage, talk with your doctor about it.

Vitamins may look harmless enough to be taken with medications—bad news is, it’s not. While it can be taken any time of the day, its component can react with your meds badly. If you are taking vitamins on a daily basis, it is best to mention the brand name or better yet, bring the vitamin bottle with you when consulting a doctor. This way, he will know exactly what he’s dealing with.

Lastly, it is a big no-no to mix meds with alcohol. For as long as human beings have existed, alcohol and medication never quite got together well—be it a century-old grass-and-bark medicine or the ever modern drug we know of.