Coffee and Medication: A Risky Mix
Many common medications can cause serious side effects when taken with coffee. Pharmacists warn that understanding these interactions can prevent harm.
Most people start their day with coffee, but if you also take medication, timing matters. Caffeine can change how your body absorbs or breaks down drugs, affecting their strength or side effects. Pharmacist Budd advises waiting at least an hour after medication before drinking coffee.
Below are six common drug types that should not be mixed with coffee:
1. Flu medicines
Cold remedies often contain caffeine or pseudoephedrine. Combined with coffee, they can overstimulate the nervous system, causing jitteriness, palpitations, and high blood pressure.
2. Painkillers
Paracetamol and ibuprofen can irritate the stomach, and coffee’s acidity worsens this. The mix can increase the risk of heartburn, ulcers, or even peritonitis.
3. Blood pressure medications
Caffeine can slow absorption of ACE inhibitors, keeping blood pressure high and straining the heart, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
4. Thyroid medications
Coffee can reduce the effect of levothyroxine by up to 50%. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking it before drinking coffee.
5. Antidepressants and mood stabilizers
Caffeine competes with SSRIs in the liver, increasing side effects like insomnia, restlessness, or rapid heartbeat. In rare cases, serotonin levels can rise dangerously.
6. Osteoporosis drugs
Coffee can block absorption of medications like alendronate or risedronate. Take them with water on an empty stomach and wait 30 minutes before coffee. Caffeine also reduces calcium and vitamin D absorption.
Remember:
Always read your medication’s leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist about safe use and possible food or drink interactions.