Food -Drug Interaction-A Review

Abstract

Introduction: A drug's effect on a person may differ from what is expected because it interacts with another drug the person is taking (drug-drug interaction), food, beverages, dietary supplements the person is consuming (drug-nutrient/food interaction), or another disease the person has. A drug interaction occurs when a substance influences the activity of a drug, resulting in enhanced or decreased effects or the creation of a new effect that neither causes on its own. These interactions may occur as a result of inadvertent abuse or a lack of information about the active chemicals contained in the relevant substances. Changes in pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic, or pharmacodynamic qualities might cause clinically significant medication interactions with the potential to damage the patient. Some may be used to the benefit of patients; however, the majority of drug interactions result in adverse drug effects. As a result, it is recommended that patients follow their physician's instructions in order to reap the greatest benefits with the fewest food-drug interactions. This review provides information on the varied interactions between different foods and pharmaceuticals, assisting physicians and pharmacists in prescribing drugs with just appropriate food supplements to maximize patient benefit.