Coffee is the most popular morning drink in the world, it offers us many benefits if drink in moderation 2-3 cups a day. But what if you drink coffee when you use drugs, does it affect their effectiveness and action, let’s find out.
It is always interesting to read a new discovery about one of the health benefits of coffee.
However, a new review of a study by an international group of researchers led by Italian endocrinologist Luigi Barrea found that drinking coffee immediately after taking the drug “should be taken into account to avoid any complications”.
This finding is consistent with a 2020 study by two Ethiopian pharmacologists.
The study was more specific and indicated that “coffee significantly affects the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of many drugs.”
“The key is that coffee can potentiate the effects or affect the absorption of some common medications,” says Dr. Parek.
She points out that this may hinder your goal of “getting the full effect of the medicine”.
Drugs that coffee can affect, according to Dr. Parek are drugs for the thyroid gland, osteoporosis, regulation of acids in the body, and other diseases and health problems.
7 Situations when coffee affect medicines
Medications for the thyroid gland
Studies show that thyroid medications in particular must be taken on an empty stomach.
Specifically, after that, you should not take anything for the next half hour.
In this way, the body can absorb the medicine for the thyroid gland, which means you should avoid coffee.
Remedies for osteoporosis
If you drink coffee with a cure for osteoporosis, “you reduce the full effectiveness of the drug,” says Dr. Parek.
Acid regulating drugs
“Acid reflux drugs work best when taken in the morning, before anything else, before meals and drinks,” says Dr. Parek.
It is also important to keep in mind that coffee contains acid, which can make your medication worse.
Remedies for excess fluid
“Caffeine generally eliminates this hormone that stimulates you to retain water because it is a diuretic,” says Dr. Parek.
This means that caffeine in coffee can improve the diuretic properties of drugs, such as those used to treat swollen feet.
Medications for cardiovascular problems
Also, due to the diuretic properties of caffeine, patients taking heart failure medications should pay attention if they drink caffeinated coffee.
When it comes to blood pressure medications, if combined with coffee, they can have a more serious diuretic effect.
Medications for attention deficit disorder
If you are taking medication for attention deficit disorder, Parek says that the caffeine in coffee can reduce the effect of the drug.
Cold medicine
Some cold medicines are stimulants, says Parek.
If you are hoping to fall asleep later in the day, keep in mind that consuming coffee with cold medicines reduces your chances of falling asleep.
Finally, you should definitely drink coffee, it offers us health benefits. Coffee affects medicines, just avoid consuming it in the above situations when using medications.
READ MORE: All About Coffee, how much Caffeine have, Good and Bad effects
