7 types of medicine should not be taken with coffee

You don't have to give up coffee completely, but you can adjust the timing of taking medicine and coffee appropriately - Photo: FREEPIK

According to Eating Well , coffee can interact with medications in a number of ways. "Coffee can change the way your body absorbs, metabolizes, or eliminates certain medications," says American pharmacist Jennifer Bourgeois.

You don't have to give up coffee completely, but you can adjust the timing of your medication and coffee. Here are some medications that experts warn may interact with morning coffee.

Antidepressants

If you are taking antidepressants, you should avoid drinking coffee right after taking them because it can reduce the effectiveness of the medication. For example, the caffeine in coffee can interact with the drug escitalopram (Lexapro), making it harder for your body to absorb the drug. When less of the drug is absorbed, the treatment is less effective.

When taken with coffee, the metabolism of certain antidepressants such as clomipramine and imipramine may slow down, resulting in higher and longer blood levels of the drug. This interaction can also increase the effects of caffeine, leading to feelings of restlessness and anxiety.

Thyroid medication

Bourgeois says the absorption of levothyroxine, a medication used to treat hypothyroidism, can be significantly reduced when taken with coffee. Some studies have shown that coffee can reduce the amount of the drug absorbed by up to 50%.

“This causes thyroid hormone levels to fluctuate and perpetuate symptoms like fatigue or lack of mental clarity,” Bourgeois warns.

"Therefore, patients should wait 30 - 60 minutes after taking thyroid medication before drinking coffee."

Osteoporosis medication

Osteoporosis medications such as risedronate and alendronate should not be taken with coffee.

“Whether it's caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee, milk or fruit juice, all can reduce drug absorption by affecting the solubility and binding of the drug,” Bourgeois advises.

Cold and allergy medicine

When caffeine and the decongestant pseudoephedrine are used together, they can cause additive side effects that make you feel more anxious and restless.

People with diabetes should be especially careful if they drink coffee while taking this medication. Some studies have shown that combining the two can increase blood sugar and body temperature.

Antipsychotics

People taking antipsychotic medications such as phenothiazines, clozapine, haloperidol, or olanzapine may need to adjust the timing of their morning coffee. Coffee can disrupt the metabolism of these medications.

Asthma medication

Common side effects of some asthma medications can include nausea, headache, restlessness, and irritability. Too much caffeine from coffee, tea, or energy drinks can make these side effects worse.

Blood thinners

Taking blood thinners with coffee is dangerous because caffeine also slows blood clotting, further increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising.

In addition, research has shown that coffee can reduce the pH in the stomach, shortening the absorption time of some drugs such as aspirin. When drugs are absorbed faster, more drugs enter the body at once, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding.

DAWN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/7-loai-thuoc-khong-nen-uong-cung-luc-voi-ca-phe-20250518100944183.htm