Health Tip: Limit Drug-Food Interactions

Foods can affect both prescription and OTC meds

(HealthDay News) -- Sometimes the foods you eat and the meds you take don't mix.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says foods can negatively affect the way prescription or over-the-counter drugs work. The academy offers this advice on avoiding these so-called drug-food interactions:

• Always read the label on your medications; ask questions of the pharmacist if you don't understand something or aren't sure.
• Follow all label instructions and warnings on both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
• Take any medication with a full glass of water, unless your doctor has advised differently.
• Don't stir a medication with food or break open a capsule, unless your doctor has told you to do so.
• Don't take any medication at the same time as you take vitamins.
• Don't mix a medication in a hot drink, and never take a medication with alcohol.