Food – drug interaction for Corticosteroids (Dexamethasone/Prednisolone)
These medications must be taken with meals. Since Corticosteroids affect sugar, salt, calcium and potassium concentration in blood. Observe the following general instructions:
- Decrease intake of sweets , sugar, pickles, salted crackers, canned foods and always select low salt products.
- Maintain an adequate intake of foods rich in vitamins, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D, such as milk, and whole grains..
- Limit caffeine intake (coffee, tea, chocolate and cola drinks).
General instructions
For food interactions with oral drugs
- Drugs that induce gastrointestinal upset; can be administered with a snack (need not to be a full meal) and with drinking a large volume of water.
- Avoid cola, coffee, citrus fruits (orange, lemon) and other acidic foods and beverages.
- All analgesic, anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, indomethacin, etc.) and all corticosteroids should be administered with a snack or with milk.
- Administration of a drug on an empty stomach means: the drug should be taken ½ - 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals.
- Avoid co-administration of antacids with other drugs, as they should be administered 2 hours before or after administration of other drugs.
- Adverse effects or even toxicity of a drug may occur if the drug is co-administered with grapefruit; therefore, it is recommended at least 2 hours’ separation in administration times (up to 6 hours after administration of sustained release (SR) formulations).
- Natural licorice causes salt and water retention and promotes potassium loss; therefore, it should be avoided with diuretics, corticosteroids, antihypertensive drugs, and other drugs that can induce hypokalemia.
- Antihypertensive drugs, antiepileptic drugs, antibiotics, and oral hypoglycemic drugs should be administered consistently in relation to time and food, as its therapeutic efficacy depends on maintaining constant blood levels.
- Caffeine intake (cacao, chocolate, cola, coffee, coffee mate and tea) should be limited in those being treated for arrhythmia, angina and hypertension.
