Top 10 Food and Drug Interactions in the Geriatric Population

1. Top 10 Food & Drug
Interactions
A list of the top 10 nutrient-medication
interactions affecting the older adult
population

2. Warfarin & Vitamin K
Warfarin helps to
prevent blood clots
Eating Vitamin K can
interact with Warfarin’s
effectiveness
To ensure that Vitamin
K does not interact with
Warfarin, keep intake
consistent
Foods High in Vitamin
K
Leafy greens such
as:
Brussels sprouts
Asparagus
Broccoli

3. Insulin, Oral Diabetic Agents, and
Alcohol Agents
Alcohol can increase or lengthen the effect of insulin
or other diabetic medications, which can lead to
hypoglycemia
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nervousness,
sweating, trembling, intense hunger, weakness,
palpitations, confusion, drowsiness, and ultimately a
coma
Alcohol with diabetic pills can cause dizziness,
flushing, and nausea

4. Digoxin, High-Fiber Diets, and
Herbs
Digoxin is used to strengthen the contraction of the heart
muscle, slow down heart rate, and promote fluid to escape
from the tissues in the body
Dietary fiber, especially insoluble, can slow down the
absorption of digoxin and make it less effective.
To ensure the effectiveness of digoxin, elders should take
this medication at least an hour or two before consuming a
meal.
Herbs also can also elevate or decrease the levels of
digoxin in the blood.

5. Statins and Grapefruit
Statins are used to lower cholesterol
Grapefruit can raise the amount of statins in
the blood
Side effects of statins include muscle
soreness and blood tests that indicate liver
problems

6. Calcium Channel Blockers and
Grapefruit
Calcium channel blockers are prescribed to
help with hypertension
Grapefruit contains an element that attached
to an intestinal enzyme, affecting the
breakdown of the calcium channel blocker

7. Erectile Dysfunction Drugs and
Grapefruit
Evidence suggests that grapefruit may
increase blood levels of erectile dysfunction
medications
Side effects may include headaches
symptomatic of fatal or near fatal
circumstances, flushing, or low blood
pressure

8. Acetaminophen and
Alcohol
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) taken with alcohol
can increase the liver toxicity
The function of the liver to eliminate drugs in
the body decreases with age

9. Antibiotics and Dairy
Products
Dairy products can delay or prevent the
absorption of antibiotics.
Calcium in dairy interacts with the antibiotic
and creates an insoluble compound.
Do not avoid dairy, but take medication an
hour before or two hours after a meal to avoid
problems

10. MAOIs and Tyramine
Monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOIs) are
a less frequently used
antidepressant
The interaction
between Tyramine and
MAOIs can cause
severe elevation in
blood pressure.
Foods with Tyramine
Include:
Red Wines
Malt Beer
Smoked Fish
Aged Cheeses
Dried Fruits

11. Antithyroid Drugs and Iodine-Rich
Foods
Antithyroid drugs reduce
the symptoms of
hyperthyroidism
Iodine requires a higher
dose of these drugs
The higher the dose of
antithyroid drugs, the
higher prevalence of side
effects such as rashes,
hives, and liver disease
Foods High in Iodine
Include:
Seafood and Seaweed
Iodized Salt
Eggs, meat, and dairy
products when
consumed at a higher
rate

12. Sources
Bareuthe, Carol M., RD. "Dangerous Food-Drug
Interactions." Today's Geriatric Medicine. Aging
Well, 2008. Web. 26 July 2016.