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Beware of these food and drug combinations: five common but dangerous pairings

The interaction between food and drugs may be more serious than you think.

In daily life, we may inadvertently take certain foods and medications together, resulting in physical discomfort or even endangering our health. Below are five common but dangerous food and medication combinations that may also occur in the daily diet of Hong Kong residents and deserve special attention .

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I. Painkillers and Alcohol: A Double Blow to the Liver

Taking acetaminophen ( Tylenol ) and alcohol simultaneously significantly increases the risk of liver toxicity. High doses of Tylenol ( 1000 mg per tablet ) are particularly dangerous; taking more than four tablets daily is considered risky. If you drink alcohol, it is recommended to wait at least 12 hours before taking painkillers. For liver protection, consider consuming milk thistle as a natural option .

II. Sedatives and Alcohol: Excessive Suppression of the Central Nervous System

Sedatives such as Valium , Xanax , and Clonazepam , like alcohol, can suppress the central nervous system. When both are used simultaneously, it can lead to dangerously low blood pressure, slowed breathing, abnormal heartbeat, and even more serious consequences. Alcohol should be avoided while taking sedatives .

III. Certain cardiovascular medications and grapefruit: Excessive drug efficacy can lead to toxicity.

Grapefruit contains a chemical that can interfere with the liver's ability to break down drugs, leading to drug accumulation in the body. Even drinking just one glass of grapefruit juice can trigger a toxic reaction. Calcium channel blockers and cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as statins ) should not be taken with grapefruit .

IV. Bronchodilators and Caffeine: Increased Risk of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Theophylline , a component of bronchodilators , has a similar structure to caffeine and theobromine . If ingested simultaneously, it can cause overstimulation, potentially triggering arrhythmia or even seizures. When taking these medications, avoid foods containing stimulants such as coffee and chocolate .

V. Heart medications and high-protein foods: Increased drug efficacy may lead to side effects.

Taking beta blockers with high-protein foods can increase the drug's bioavailability by up to 53% . This means the original dosage may need to be doubled, increasing the risk of side effects. When taking this medication, pay attention to your diet and avoid excessive protein intake .

In conclusion: Health is not just about taking medicine, but also about knowing how to avoid risks.

Hong Kong people lead busy lives with diverse diets, so it's especially important to be mindful of food interactions when taking medication. Understanding these common but dangerous combinations can help you avoid unnecessary health risks. Ideally, you'd be healthy enough not to need medication, but until then, knowing how to avoid incorrect combinations is the first step in protecting yourself .