Drug Effects on Nutritional Status
• Abuse of antacids can lead to phosphate depletion,
which can cause a vitamin D deficiency, resulting in
osteomalacia, or softening of the bones due to loss of
calcium.
• Excessive use of diuretics may result in the loss of
electrolytes, especially potassium, that places clients
with cardiac conditions at a higher risk for serious
rhythm problems. Potassium loss is greatest in clients
taking digitalis as well as diuretics, making the heart
more sensitive to the drug.
• Prolonged use of oral contraceptives by women may
cause folacin and vitamin C deficiencies if their diets
are inadequate in these nutrients.
• Hydralazine (antihypertensive drug) can deplete the
body's supply of vitamin B6.
Food Effects on Drug Absorption
• Calcium in milk and milk products may decrease the
absorption of certain antibiotics such as tetracycline.
• Certain liquids such as soda pop or high-acid fruit or
vegetable juices can cause an increase in the stomach
acidity that can dissolve some drugs before they reach
the intestine. Because most drugs are absorbed in the
intestines, this interaction will decrease the amount of
drug that can be absorbed into the body.
• Certain foods such as fatty foods can increase the
rate of absorption of some drugs; (e.g., griseofulvin,
an antifungal).
Food Effects on Drug Utilization
• The effects of anticoagulants can be decreased by
certain foods in the liver such as green leafy vegetables
that contain vitamin K, which is used by the
body to promote blood clotting.
• Aged or fermented foods such as aged cheese,
chicken livers, and other foods can decrease the
metabolism in the body of monoamine oxidase
inhibitors that are used to treat depression and high
blood pressure.
• Long-term use of licorice and licorice-flavored candy
or drugs can counteract the effect of high blood
pressure medication.
From Fundamentals of Nursing, p.681 (Delmar)