Are you taking any prescribed medication? If so, it’s important to check with your dispensing pharmacists for potential interations between the drug and your chosen supplements. Interactions occur when both the drug and supplement act on the
same receptor sites in the body, or interact with the same metabolic enzymes. The drugs most likely to cause interactions are anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin and aspirin), sedatives, antidepressants and some medicines prescribed to treat heart problems,
diabetes, high blood pressure and epilepsy. Most interactions are not serious, but it is advisable to err on the side of caution.I
In many cases, however, supplements have a beneficial action that can boost the effects of prescription medicines, or replenish nutrient levels that are depleted by
certain drugs.
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS
A number of drugs used to treat cardiovascular problems can interact with supplements. However, some drugs lower blood levels of nutrients which need replacing:
Statins & Co-enzyme Q10
Statins lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting a liver enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is also needed to make co-enzyme Q10 – an important substance needed for energy production in cells. It is especially important for muscle
cells – including those in the heart – which are actively contracting. Statins can halve blood levels of Co Q10 within 2 weeks and lack of this nutrient is thought to contribute
to the muscle aches and pains that can occur in people taking a statin drug. Co-enzyme Q10 supplements (60mg – 100mg daily) replenish blood levels of this important nutrient without affecting the cholesterol-lowering action of the statin drug.
ACE inhibitors & Zinc
The long-term use of ACE inhibitor drugs to treat high blood pressure or heart failure appears to deplete zinc levels and can lead to a zinc deficiency, especially when used
together with diuretic tablets. Lack of zinc can lead to changes in taste sensation and reduced immunity. A multi-vitamin and mineral supplement that includes zinc is therefore a good idea.
ANTI-INFECTIVE TREATMENTS
Antibiotics are life-saving drugs, and you should always finish the course exactly as prescribed. Bear the following in mind, however:
Antibiotics & probiotics
Broad-spectrum antibiotics kill beneficial probiotic bacteria in the gut as well as those causing infections. This can lead to diarrhoea and has been linked with the development of irritable-bowel syndrome. Taking a probiotic supplement during and after taking an antibiotic helps to replenish these friendly digestive bacteria, reducing
the risk of side effects.
Antibiotics & Bromelain
The action of antibiotics is boosted by bromelain, an enzyme that has additional anti-bacterial and anti-viral actions of its own. Bromelain increases blood levels
of the penicillin drug, amoxicillin, and improves its ability to penetrate tissues and reach areas of infection. In one study involving 53 people hospitalised with infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis and abscesses, 22 out of 23 people who had not previously responded to antibiotic treatment did so once bromelain was added to
their regime.
Anti-fungal creams & Echinacea
Anti-fungal creams are effective for treating fungal infections such as Candida and athlete’s foot. Echinacea helps to boost immunity against infections and, in women
with vaginal Candida, taking echinacea tablets at the same time as the cream was found to reduce the rate of recurrence.
PAIN-KILLERS
Paracetamol & vitamin C
Many over-the-counter painkillers contain vitamin C as it has been shown to prolong the amount of time paracetamol stays in the body. Taking paracetamol with a vitamin C tablet may help you spread doses further apart so you need to take less of the drug to maintain pain relief.
Paracetamol & Milk Thistle
People taking paracetamol for regular pain relief may benefit from taking milk thistle extracts as well. Paracetamol lowers levels of a liver chemical called ‘glutathione’, which is one of the ways in which paracetamol can damage the liver. Milk thistle extracts contain a substance called ‘silymarin’ which raises levels of glutathione.
Aspirin, vitamin C & zinc
Taking aspirin long term can lower blood levels of both vitamin C and zinc. Those on long-term aspirin therapy may benefit from taking vitamin C and zinc supplements.
IMMUNE SUPPRESSANTS
Corticosteroids, calcium & vitamin D
People taking long-term corticosteroid therapy to damp-down immune-related conditions are at increased risk of osteoporosis. Good intakes of calcium and vitamin D are vital to help maintain bone density and protect against bone thinning, and are often prescribed together with these medications.
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