Never Take Your Medication With This Drink, New Study Says

 Take with a full glass of water. Chances are good you've read this instruction on the side of a pill bottle or a medication package insert. Now, the findings of a new study emphasize how important it is to do just what the indications on your medicine suggest—because when the drug makers specify water, that's precisely what they mean.

A study published in a July issue of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal looked at the effects of consuming various drinks to accompany medications in "oral solid dosage forms" (meaning pills, capsules, or tablets).

Looking at five brands of over-the-counter medication all indicated for pain relief, inflammation, or allergies, they concluded: "The tested beverages should not be used as substitutes for water when ingesting medications." That's because in nearly all cases, these drinks significantly increased the drugs' disintegration times, which may cause the medication to dissolve before it's designed for the body to absorb it. This, of course, can impact its efficacy in relieving your symptoms, and potentially other problems.

 

1

Coffee

The study considered two beverage temperature variables: 41 degrees, and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only do we know that coffee contains powerful compounds and caffeine that could potentially cause drug interactions, but the study suggests hot beverages, like coffee, may change a medication's chemistry and disintegration time. 

2

Orange Juice

 

Known for its Vitamin C, orange juice might be a drink you turn to when you're under the weather. In the case of this study, they found orange juice was one of the main drinks that affected the timed release of a drug that's comparable to Tylenol. 

3

Coca-Cola

 

We probably don't have to remind you that most mainstream soda brands are not great for your health. (Perhaps it's also worth mentioning that sugar can increase inflammation.)

Coca-Cola was one drink that affected the disintegration of most drugs in the study, except for one intended to treat allergy symptoms. 

4

Energy Drinks

 

When you're not 100%, you might be looking for anything to add some pep to your step. However, energy drinks were also among the drinks the researchers say you should put down to take those meds. 

5

Buttermilk

 

Perhaps buttermilk is not among the most common beverage staples in many Western households. However, the scientists' use of buttermilk might also suggest that dairy beverages in general are not ideal to take with your pill.