Khaberni - For many, the day does not start without a cup of coffee, which is considered one of the most consumed beverages in the world, but alongside its many health and brain benefits, coffee may interact with certain medications in ways that reduce their effectiveness, or increase their side effects.
Because coffee has stimulating effects, its consumption may interfere with cold and flu medications.
According to the "Independent" newspaper, caffeine speeds up the central nervous system.
On the other hand, the substance pseudoephedrine, which is a decongestant found in cold and flu medications, also acts as a stimulant.
Side effects of coffee and medication stimulants
When taken together, their effects may be exacerbated, which can lead to feelings of anxiety or insomnia, headaches, and increased heart rate.
Moreover, many cold medications already contain added caffeine, increasing these risks.
Studies also indicate that combining caffeine and pseudoephedrine can raise blood sugar levels and body temperature, which is very important for diabetic patients.
Pain Relievers
On the other hand, some over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin or paracetamol, contain added caffeine.
Coffee can accelerate the absorption of these medications by speeding up stomach emptying and increasing stomach acidity, which enhances the absorption of certain medications, such as aspirin.
While this may help pain relievers work faster, it can also increase the risk of side effects such as stomach irritation or bleeding, especially when taken with other sources of caffeine. Although no serious cases have been reported, caution is still advised.
