Khaberni - Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and some energy drinks, is a common stimulant and may interact - according to a report by NotreTemps - with some medications, either increasing or decreasing their effect and can sometimes be dangerous.
About this, pharmacist Arno Centoril said, "Caffeine affects the movement of the drug (its absorption, metabolism, distribution, excretion) especially at the level of the digestive system, by altering its absorption."
He added, "Caffeine influences liver metabolism through its effects on certain key enzymes involved in the breakdown and excretion of drugs, which can either speed up or slow down their excretion. Additionally, caffeine has a diuretic effect that can alter the renal disposal of certain medications." Therefore, it's advised to limit coffee intake when taking the following medications:
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
These antibiotics are often prescribed to treat urinary tract infections or bronchial and pulmonary diseases and may slow down the process of caffeine elimination in the body where caffeine accumulates, and its side effects (insomnia, nervousness, palpitations, agitation, high blood pressure) worsen.
Theophylline (a bronchodilator)
Theophylline is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and belongs to the methylxanthine family, like caffeine. The pharmacist warns, "When taken with coffee, it may increase its effect. This interaction could lead to overdosing symptoms such as nausea, palpitations, tremors, and accelerated heart rate."
Some types of antidepressants
Some antidepressants can interact with coffee. Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, can slow down the elimination of caffeine in the body, potentially leading to caffeine accumulation and over-stimulation: nervousness, insomnia, palpitations, tremors, etc. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine or tranylcypromine can interact more dangerously with caffeine, increasing the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Thyroid medications
Thyroid medications, such as levothyroxine, are prescribed in very precise and very low doses, making their gastrointestinal absorption very sensitive. However, caffeine can interfere with this absorption, significantly reducing it. This may lead to decreased efficacy of the treatment and disturbance in thyroid hormone levels.
Bisphosphonates
These medications are used for treating osteoporosis. However, their gastrointestinal absorption is very sensitive, and coffee consumption can significantly reduce it, negatively impacting the efficacy of the treatment.
Therefore, it is advisable to take these medications in the morning on an empty stomach, with a large glass of tap water (preferably). It is best to avoid drinking coffee, tea, or even some mineral waters rich in calcium for at least 30 minutes after taking them.
Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs
Caffeine can accelerate the absorption of certain painkillers such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, so it is sometimes added to some compound drug formulations to enhance their pain-relieving effect. However, excessive caffeine intake with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, including stomach irritation and even ulcers.
Diabetes medications
Caffeine tends to affect blood sugar levels by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, which may lead to increased levels. In diabetic patients, this effect creates a disorder in the blood glucose ratio, and in some cases, requires an adjustment in their sugar-lowering medications. Thus, drinking coffee moderately is preferable.
