Medicines that are taken orally must first pass through the digestive system before they reach the kidneys and liver via the blood. In the stomach and intestines, the medicines encounter foods and drinks that can potentially interfere with their effect. Which foods can weaken or strengthen which medicines?

Milk and Dairy products can be certain Antibiotics such as tetracyclines, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin. The calcium contained in dairy products binds with the active ingredients of the antibiotics and prevents them from being transported through the intestinal wall.

The in Coffee The effect of the caffeine it contains can be enhanced by Antibiotics. This can lead to dizziness and palpitations. 

Fenoterol, a Asthma medicationwhich already lists cardiac arrhythmia as a side effect, can be caused by the intake of Caffeine increase this risk extremely and become dangerous.

Spinach, broccoli, sauerkraut and certain types of cabbage contain a lot of vitamin K. This vitamin weakens the effect of the blood-thinning agent Phenprocoumon. In extreme cases, this can lead to thromboses and strokes.

The Asthma medication with the active ingredient theophylline can be caused by the absorption of hydrocarbons, such as those found in Grilled sausage are impaired. The hydrocarbons accelerate the breakdown of the active ingredient, which can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks.

Liquorice can minimise the effect antihypertensive agents neutralise. Simultaneous intake of liquorice and antihypertensive medication reduces the potassium level in the blood. This manifests itself in muscle weakness, tiredness, constipation and lack of appetite. 

Grapefruit inhibits the enzyme responsible for the degradation cholesterol-lowering agents is necessary. This leads to muscle pain.