Medicines should be taken with plain water at room temperature. Other beverages can alter how a drug works, sometimes reducing its effectiveness and potentially affecting health. This guidance comes from Andrey Dorokhov, an associate professor in the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at RTU MIREA and a candidate of chemical sciences, who emphasizes the importance of choosing the right liquid when taking tablets.
Dorokhov explains that teas and coffees contain caffeine and tannins, which can bind with many active ingredients. When tannins form insoluble compounds with certain medicines, absorption into the bloodstream is hindered, meaning the medicine may pass through the body without delivering the intended benefit. This is a simple reminder that the timing and the beverage matter as much as the tablet itself.
According to the expert, certain fruit and fruit-juice combinations should be avoided or carefully managed. Grapefruit juice is known to interact with many medications, potentially altering their effects. Pineapple and grape juice can trigger a hypertensive reaction when psychostimulants are used, while tomato juice may diminish the antibacterial action of sulfonamides. Carbonated drinks have their own risks, including irritation of the stomach lining and a possible reduction in a medication’s effectiveness.
It is also noted that milk is not always suitable for washing down tablets because it can interfere with the absorption of a range of drugs, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, omeprazole, and certain thyroid medications. The overarching message from Dorokhov is clear: alcohol should be avoided when taking tablets, as it can compound risks and reduce therapeutic benefits.
Dr. Alexander Myasnikov has also highlighted that some antibiotics should not be consumed with milk or fruit juice. He stresses that antibiotics target bacteria rather than viruses, so their use for treating viral illnesses like colds does not yield a benefit. This underscores the broader point that medicines operate within specific biological contexts, and combining them with incompatible foods or drinks can undermine their purpose.
Historical research has attempted to assess the effects of various pills in the context of serious diseases, including blood cancers. Such studies remind readers that the effectiveness of medications depends not only on the drug itself but also on how it is taken, what accompanies it, and the overall health state of the person using it. Always following medical guidance and product labeling helps ensure that therapies perform as intended and minimize unnecessary risks. Informed choices about liquids in relation to medications can support better health outcomes and safer treatment experiences.
In summary, when taking tablets, the best practice is to use water at room temperature. Avoid caffeinated beverages that contain tannins, limit or avoid grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, grape juice, tomato juice, and carbonated drinks in proximity to medications, and be cautious about dairy, alcohol, and other potential interactions. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on the specific medicines involved and the patient’s health profile. These guidelines aim to support effective treatment while reducing the chance of unnecessary side effects or diminished benefits, reflecting the recommendations provided by Dorokhov and corroborated by other medical experts in the field.