Common Medication-Nutrient (Food) Interactions

Module 06 Discussion – Common Medication-Nutrient (Food) Interactions

For this discussion forum, find three interactions between medications and nutrients (food). List the interaction, foods to avoid while taking the medication, and describe key points that should be included in client education regarding the interactions.

Please make an initial post by midweek, and respond to at least two other student’s posts with substantial details that demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and critical thinking. Remember that your posts must exhibit appropriate writing mechanics including using proper language, cordiality, and proper grammar and punctuation. If you refer to any outside sources or reference materials, be sure to provide proper attribution and/or citation.

TWO OTHER STUDENTS POST’S ARE BELOW:

1^st STUDENT

Not all medicines are affected by food, but many can, and they can cause many cause risk to our health. They can interact and take these medications ineffective, or harmful. Some medications need to be taken with food, so they do not damage the mucus lining because, their chemical ingredients can be harmful. Also they are medications that need to be taking in empty stomach to give its result, otherwise it would not work properly. The food may delay or decrease the absorption of the drug.
It is important that we read the prescription label on the container, or to ask the pharmacist for the proper usage, and any food interaction that it might have. Taking the medication with alcohol is wrong, and has many negative effects. Water is the best liquid that you take the medication with.
Example of interaction food with medication I would mention the effect of Anticoagulant Medicine. Anticoagulant medicines like Coumadin, Jantoven, Lovenox, are a group of medicines that inhibit blood clotting. Many people whom take these medications need to be careful with their diet. We all know that that green is good for our health, but not when you take these medications. The green leafy spinach cannot be consume it will interact, and reduce the effect since spinach is high in vitamin K which is a coagulant.
Another example is when your doctor prescribes cholesterol medications like Zocor (simvastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin) or Mevacor/Altoprev (lovastatin), and your diet includes grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice. Eating and drinking the grapefruit can be dangerous. Grapefruit contain natural chemicals that block the enzyme necessary to break down certain statins in our body. This can result in higher levels of the drug in your body, increasing your chances for side effects, especially muscle problems
Lastly I would like to explain the interaction of the Drinks and drug Nicotinic Acid. When Alcohol or hot beverages are consume it may increase the chances of side effects, especially flushing and itching. Consuming alcohol or hot drinks should be avoided around the time you take your dose of nicotinic acid.
All of these examples explain the importance of consulting before taking any medication, because misusage can be harmful for our health.

References:
doctor.org editorial staff
http://www.pdrhealth.com/cholesterol/drugs-and-foods-to-avoid-while-taking-cholesterol-medication

2^nd STUDENT

It is important to be aware of what drugs can and cannot be taken with a specific food not only for the client but also the nurse so he/she can give proper patient education. One common food people eat is grapefruit. However, it is important to realize that the furanocoumarins in grapefruits interacts with many drugs like BP meds, antihistamines, thyroid drugs, and Lipitor- Lipitor being one of the biggest. The grapefruit can cause the body to metabolize the medicine differently than intended. When having a patient who is prescribed these drugs make sure to inform them of the foods that interact with it and to reassure them that there are many alternatives to grapefruits. If it’s just the citrus they enjoy then orange juice would be a great alternative.

Lexapro is another drug that reacts differently when paired with alcohol. Mixing these two together can actually worsen your depression symptoms. Common side effects of mixing them are decreased efficacy of the medication, increased anxiety, worsening depression, and sedation. If you have a patient that is prescribed any antidepressant or Lexapro you should include the importance of not consuming alcohol, the side effects that go along with antidepressants, and also recommending people they can talk to like a shrink if they need to.

The last major complication between a drug and food is the interaction between leafy greens and Coumadin. If you are prescribed Coumadin it is important to monitor your leafy green intake because it could increase the risk of blood clots. It is important to let your patient know he/she can consume these leafy greens just in moderation and to not over or under do it.

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