Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

I take high blood pressure medications, should I be taking a potassium salt substitute?

Some medications used to control blood pressure can make your body lose potassium, so you may be prescribed a potassium supplement by your doctor. However, other blood pressure medications can prevent potassium loss. Salt substitutes containing potassium are best avoided when taking ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics because they increase the level of potassium in your body and too much potassium can cause heart palpitations.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is a food and drug interaction?

A food and drug interaction is when the foods (and drinks) you consume change the effects of the drug on the body. The timing and amount of food you eat can also affect how well medication works. Food-drug interactions can occur whether you are taking …

Why can't I have grapefruit juice if I am taking statins?

Grapefruit juice can increase the chance of side-effects if you are taking statins, such as atorvastatin, simvastatin or lovastatin. This is not the case for all statins so speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any …

Why shouldn't I have dairy products such as milk with tetracycline?

Calcium in dairy products binds to tetracycline, preventing its absorption in the body and therefore reducing its effectiveness as an antibiotic.

Should I always take medication with meals?

This is not always advisable. Medicines can work faster or slower, better or worse, depending on whether you take them on a full stomach or not. The information label or sheet that comes with your medication will tell you whether it is best taken …

Is it okay to take medications with a glass of milk?

Some medications can be taken with milk if they upset your stomach, but with others, milk can reduce the therapeutic effect. For example, milk binds to the antibiotic tetracycline, preventing its absorption in the intestine and therefore …

Can food only interact with prescription medications?

Food and drink can interact with both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Always read the label and speak to your doctor for advice on correctly taking new medications.

Can I take medications and vitamin supplements at the same time?

Sometimes medications can interact with vitamin supplements. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before mixing any medications and supplements.

Can I take alcohol and medication at the same time?

As alcohol can interact with a range of medications, causing side-effects such as liver damage or drowsiness, it is best to consult your doctor about consumption of alcohol.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Safe handling of medications

Medications are meant to make you well, but if they are not used appropriately and with care they can make you very sick. Understanding the medications you take and communicating clearly with your health professional are important steps in using medication safely.…
Diseases & conditions

Diet for hair, skin and nails

With a healthy, balanced diet, you can improve the health of your hair, skin and nails. Your skin is a particularly important barrier against infection, mechanical damage and ultraviolet radiation.…
Diseases & conditions

Childhood immunizations

Childhood immunisations help protect infants and children against a variety of diseases, without them being exposed to the actual diseases. Immunisations include tetanus, polio, measles and chicken pox vaccines. They also help protect friends and family by reducing the rates of these conditions.…
Diseases & conditions

Dietary fats

Dietary fat is an important nutrient and an essential part of your diet. However, some types of fat are healthier than others, so it's important to serve yourself up the right kinds in the right amounts.…
Diseases & conditions

Healthy weight

Carrying too much or too little weight can increase your risk of a range of health problems. There are some simple but effective steps you can take that can help you to manage your weight.…
Diseases & conditions

Weight loss

Carrying too much weight can increase your risk of a range of serious health problems. Even a small amount of weight loss can improve your health and prevent such problems.…

About this article

Author: Kellie Heywood
First answered: 17 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Votes: 1334 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Safe handling of medications

×

Content goes in here.