Health Tip: Be Aware of Drug and Food Interactions

(HealthDay News) — Many common medications interact with food, causing side effects or changing the way the medications work.

The American Academy of Family Physicians advises:

Read the medication’s label before you take the drug. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about anything you don’t understand.
Read interaction precautions, instructions and warnings on medication labels, both over-the-counter and prescription.
Drink a full glass of water when you take medications, unless your doctor gives you other instructions.
Unless your doctor tells you to do so, don’t break apart medication pills or capsules, or mix medications with food or hot drinks.
Do not take medications at the same time that you take vitamins or supplements.
Don’t take medications with alcohol.