Dietary interactions and medication efficacy

During the II Senior Forum in Zielona Góra, pharmacist Szymon Spruciński from the Fundacja „Farmaceuta Bliżej Ciebie” discussed how various foods and drinks can alter the effectiveness of medications.

Certain substances can weaken or dangerously strengthen drug effects. For instance, paracetamol is most effective when taken on an empty stomach, whereas non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin should be taken with or after a meal. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) require dietary fat for absorption, though fat can delay the action of sildenafil.

Green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and lettuce are high in vitamin K, which can interfere with anticoagulant medications like warfarin if consumption levels change abruptly. Additionally, high-fiber foods like oats or whole-grain bread may reduce the absorption of digoxin, a medication used for heart failure. Spruciński advises patients to read medication leaflets carefully and consult doctors regarding specific administration rules.