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Comprehensive reviews

Interactions between selected over-the-counter drugs and food: clinical relevance and prevention

ORCID Icon, ORCID Icon, ORCID Icon & ORCID Icon
Pages 1005-1018 | Received 19 Jun 2022, Accepted 26 Aug 2022, Published online: 06 Sep 2022
 

Abstract

The use of medicines is associated with both therapeutic and adverse effects and interactions. In particular, interactions between drugs and food are common, and can either enhance the action of drugs or diminish their effect. Health professionals have a responsibility to screen for and educate patients about food–drug interactions, as well as to assist in decreasing their occurrence. The aim of this study was to identify any interactions present between food and selected over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Sixty-five publications out of a potential 1112 found in the search were included in the study and among them 28 concerned painkillers, 6 – antihistamines, 4 – nasal decongestants, 10 were for proton pump inhibitors and for iron and 8 for sildenafil. Interactions between food and OTC drugs do exist. These drugs should not be taken regardless of the meal. Providing relevant information to the patient will increase drug safety and efficacy.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

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