CONDITION MEDICATION SAMPLE INTERACTION

MEDICATION
ALLERGIES, Antihistamines- Some commonly used Avoid taking with alcoholic beverages because
ASTHMA, Antihistamines are used to antihistamines: antihistamines combined with alcohol may cause
COLDS* AND relieve or prevent the drowsiness and slowed reactions.
COUGHS symptoms of colds and hay
fever and other types of
allergy. They act to limit or brompheniramine/
block histamine which is Dimetane,
released by the body when Bromphen
we are exposed to
substances that cause chlorpheniramine/
allergic reactions. Chlor-Trimeton,
Teldrin

diphenhydramine/
Benadryl, Benaphen
Bronchodilators- Some commonly used Avoid eating or drinking large amounts of foods or
Bronchodilators are used to bronchodilators: beverages which contain caffeine because both
treat the symptoms of bronchodilators and caffeine stimulate the central
bronchial asthma, chronic nervous system.
bronchitis and emphysema.
These medicines relieve aminophylline/
wheezing, shortness of Phyllocontin,
breath and troubled Somophyllin
breathing. They work by
opening the air passages of theophylline/ Slo-
the lungs. Phyllin, Theo-Dur
Many over the counter cold remedies contain aspirin
in combination with other active ingredients.

ARTHRITIS AND Aspirin-Aspirin reduces
GOUT  pain, fever and
inflammation. Aspirin is
available in many brands.
Corticosteroids-Cortisone-
like drugs are used to
provide relief to inflamed
areas of the body. They
lessen swelling, redness,
itching and allergic
reactions.
  Because aspirin can cause stomach irritation, avoid
alcohol. To avoid stomach upset, take with food. Do
not take with fruit juice.
Some commonly used Avoid alcohol because both alcohol and
steroids: corticosteroids can cause stomach irritation. Also
avoid foods high in sodium (salt). Check labels on
food packages for sodium. Take with food to
prevent stomach upset.
betamethasone,
dexamethasone,

hydrocortisone,
methylprednisolone,

prednisone,
triamcinolone
Ibuprofen and Other Some commonly used These drugs should be taken with food or milk
Anti-Inflammatory anti-inflammatory because they can irritate the stomach. Avoid taking
Agents-Ibuprofen relieves agents: the medication with those foods or alcoholic
pain and reduces beverages which tend to bother your stomach.
inflammation and fever

ibuprofen/ Advil,
Haltran, Medipren,
Motrin,
 Nuprin, naxproxen/
Naprosyn
Indomethacin-This A commonly used This drug should be taken with food because it can
medication is used to treat brand name: irritate the stomach. Avoid taking the medication
the painful symptoms of with the kinds of foods or alcoholic beverages which
certain types of arthritis and tend to irritate your stomach.
gout by reducing
inflammation, swelling, Indocin
stiffness, joint pain and
fever
Piroxicam-This medication A commonly used This medication should be taken with a light snack
is used to treat pain, brand name: because it can cause stomach irritation. Avoid
inflammation, redness, alcohol because it can add to the possibility of
swelling and stiffness stomach upset.
caused by certain types of
arthritis. Feldene
HEART AND Diuretics-Diuretics Some commonly used Diuretics vary in their interactions with nutrients.
CIRCULATORY increase the elimination of diuretics: Loss of potassium, calcium, and magnesium occurs
DISEASES water, sodium and chloride with some diuretics. Your doctor may prescribe a
from the body. potassium supplement. With some diuretics,
potassium loss is less significant. Consult with your
furosemide/ Lasix doctor or pharmacist.

triamterene/
Dyrenium

hydrochlorothiazide
(HCTZ)/ Esidrix,

Hydrodiuril
Vasodilators-Vasodilators Some commonly used Use of sodium (salt) should be restricted for
are used to relax veins vasodilators: medication to be effective. Check labels on food
and/or arteries to reduce packages for sodium.
work of the heart.

nitroglycerine/
Nitrogard, Nitrostat
Anti-Hypertensives-Anti- Some commonly used Use of sodium (salt) should be restricted for
hypertensives relax blood anti-hypertensives: medication to be effective. Check labels on food
vessels, increase the supply packages for sodium.
of blood and oxygen to the
heart and lessen its work
load. They also regulate atenolol/ Tenormin
heart beat.
captopril/ Capoten

hydralazine/
Apresoline

methyldopa/
Aldomet

metoprolol/
Lopressor
Anticoagulants- A commonly used Moderation in consumption of foods high in vitamin
Anticoagulants are used to anticoagulant: K is recommended because vitamin K produces
reduce clotting of the blood blood-clotting substances. Such foods include
spinach, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, potatoes,
vegetable oil and egg yolk.
warfarin/
Coumadin,

INFECTIONS Erythromycin-
Erythromycin is an
antibiotic used to treat a
wide variety of infections,
including those of the
throat, ears and skin.
Panwarfin
Some commonly used Erythromycins vary in their reactions with food;
erythromycin prods.: consult your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
erythromycin/E-
Mycin

erythromycin
estolate/Ilosone

erythromycin
ethylsuccinate? E.E.
S.,

Methenamine-
Methenamine is used to
treat urinary tract infections
E-Mycin E
Some commonly used Cranberries, plums, prunes and their juices help the
brand names; action of this drug. Avoid citrus fruits and citrus
juices. Eat foods with protein, but avoid dairy
products.

Mandelamine, Urex
Metronidazole-This agent Commonly used Do not take alcohol while using this drug, because it
is an anti-infective which is brand name: may cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting,
used to treat intestinal and headache, flushing or redness of the face.
genital infections due to
bacteria and parasites.
Flagyl
Penicillins-Penicillins are Some commonly used Amoxicillin and bacampicillin may be taken with
antibiotics used for penicillins: food; however, absorption of other types of
treatment of a wide variety penicillins is reduced when taken with food.
of infections.

amoxicillin,
ampicillin,
bacampicillin,

penicillin G and
penicillin V
Sulfa Drugs-Sulfa drugs Some commonly used Avoid alcohol, as the combination may cause
are anti-infectives which sulfa drugs: nausea.
are used to treat stomach
and urinary infections.

co-trimoxazole/
Bactrim, Septa

sulfisoxazole/
Gantrisin
Tetracyclines- Some commonly used These drugs should not be taken within two hours of
Tetracyclines are antibiotics brand names: eating dairy products such as milk, yogurt or cheese,
that are used to treat a wide or taking calcium or iron supplements.
variety of infections.

tetracycline
hydrochloride/
Achromycin,

Sumycin, Panmycin
PAIN Aspirin-(See aspirin under    
 Arthritis and Gout)
Codeine-Codeine is a
narcotic that is contained in
many cough and pain relief
medicines. Codeine
suppresses coughs and
relieves pain, and is often
combined with aspirin or
acetaminophen in
medications.
Other Narcotic
Analgesics-Narcotics are
used for the relief of pain.
Some commonly used Do not drink alcohol with this medication because it
brand names: could increase sedative effect of medication. Take
with meals, small snacks or milk because this
medication may cause stomach upset.
Aspirin with
Codeine, Tylenol
with Codeine.
Some commonly used Do not drink alcohol because it increases sedative
narcotic analgesics; effect of the medications. Take these medications
with food, because they can upset the stomach.

meperidine,
morphine,
oxycodone,

pentazocine,
propoxyphene
Ibuprofen and Other    
Anti-Inflammatory
Agents-(See Ibuprofen
under Arthritis and Gout)
PSYCHIATRIC Most medications for   Follow the dietary and fluid intake instructions of
OR psychiatric or emotional your physician to avoid very serious toxic reactions.
EMOTIONAL disturbances interact with
PROBLEMS  alcohol in a dangerous
manner.
  Lithium Carbonate-    
Lithium regulates changes
in hormone levels in the
brain, balancing excitement
and depression.
  MAO Inhibitors -MAO Some commonly used A very dangerous, potentially fatal interaction can
Inhibitors are used MAO Inhibitors: occur with foods containing tyramine, a chemical in
primarily to treat depression alcoholic beverages, particularly wine, and in many
foods such as hard cheeses, chocolate, beef or
chicken livers. Be sure to follow physician's
isocarboxazid/ instructions.
Marplan

phenelzine/ Nardil

tranylcypromine/
Parnate
SLEEP     Do not use alcohol with any sleep medications.
DISTURBANCES
STOMACH AND Cimetidine, Famotidine, Some commonly used Follow the diet your doctor orders.
INTESTINAL Ranitidine-These brand names:
PROBLEMS medications are prescribe to
treat ulcers. They work by
reducing the amount of acid
in the stomach. cimetidine/ Tagamet

famotidine/ Pepcid

ranitidine/ Zantac
Laxatives-Some laxatives   Most laxatives are available without prescriptions.
stimulate the action of
muscles lining the large
intestine. Other types of
laxatives soften the stool, or
add bulk or fluid to help
food pass through the
system.
Excessive use of laxatives can cause loss of essential
vitamins and minerals and may require
replenishment of potassium, sodium and other
nutrients through diet. Mineral oil can cause poor
absorption of some vitamins. Discuss the use of
laxatives with your doctor or pharmacist.