Medicines that can interact with dairy products
Medicines that can interact with dairy products
Dairy products(like milk, yogurt, ice cream…) when used with certain medicines, can affect how the medicine works in your body or is absorbed by your body. In some cases, this can make the drug less effective
However, just because a drug interacts with dairy products cannot mean that a dairy product can never be accepted. In many cases, it is only necessary to separate the dose from dairy for a certain period of time to prevent the interaction.
The most common medications that can interact with dairy products and other calcium-fortified foods:
1. Tetracycline antibiotics
Such as
(Tetracycline, Doxycycline)
A class of antibiotics that treat a variety of infections, such as dermatitis. They work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria
Calcium in milk can bind to tetracyclines, which affects the absorption of the drug
2. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
such as
(Levofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Moxifloxacin)
A class of antibiotics used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections. They also act to inhibit the growth of bacteria
Calcium in milk can bind to fluoroquinolone drugs, which affects absorption
This means that the infection may not be treated effectively or completely
3. BisphosphonatesBisphosphonates
such as
(risedronate, alendronate, ibandronate)
They are a class of drugs used to help prevent or treat bone loss in conditions such as weakening of the bones and osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones).
Food, including dairy products, can affect how the body absorbs bisphosphonates and prevent the drug from being absorbed.
4. Iron supplements
Iron is an essential mineral needed for your red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. Most people are able to get enough from their food. However, others may be at risk of becoming very low in iron and can take iron supplements
Calcium in dairy products can prevent maximal iron absorption from the dose. That’s why it’s best to wait at least 2 hours after eating dairy products before taking the iron supplement
5. Thyroid medications
Thyroid hormones help regulate how your body uses energy and can affect almost every organ. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body’s needs. In this case, medication can be prescribed to help replace and normalize thyroid hormone levels
such as( levothyroxine)
All thyroid medications should be taken on an empty stomach. However, in particular, levothyroxine has been shown to interact with dairy products, resulting in inadequate thyroid from the dose
Prepared by:
Bakhan Hiwa
Laboratory teaching assistant