Does Coffee Interact With Medications? (List of 50+ Drugs, Herbs & Supplements)
Coffee is a popular beverage made from the seeds, or beans, of the Coffea plant. These seeds are typically roasted to bring out their flavors and aromas. Once roasted, they can be ground and brewed with water to produce the drink we commonly refer to as coffee. Coffee has a complex chemical composition, with over a thousand compounds contributing to its flavor, aroma, and physiological effects. The most well-known compound in coffee is caffeine, a natural stimulant that can increase alertness and reduce fatigue.
Coffee is enjoyed in various forms and styles around the world. It can be served black or with the addition of milk, cream, or sweeteners. Common coffee-based beverages include espresso, cappuccino, latte, and Americano. Coffee has a wide range of flavors, which can vary depending on factors such as the coffee bean variety, growing conditions, roasting process, and brewing method. Some common flavor notes found in coffee include fruity, nutty, chocolatey, floral, and earthy.
In addition to its taste and aroma, coffee has become an integral part of many cultures and social interactions. It is often enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up, a social beverage during gatherings or meetings, or as a comforting ritual during breaks or leisure time.
Every day, a staggering number of people around the world enjoy the rich taste and aroma of coffee. Approximately 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily, catering to the preferences of 1 billion coffee drinkers. In parallel, the love for tea is also widespread, with around 3.7 billion cups of tea being savored each day. Morning rituals are particularly noteworthy, as approximately 2 billion individuals begin their day with a comforting cup of tea. The global passion for coffee and tea is a testament to the enduring popularity of these beloved beverages.
However, understanding the potential interactions between coffee and drugs, herbs and nutritional supplements is crucial for individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Coffee contains caffeine and other compounds that can have effects on the body, such as altering metabolism, affecting the absorption or elimination of drugs, or amplifying or reducing the effects of certain medications. Being aware of these interactions helps individuals avoid potential adverse effects, optimize the effectiveness of medications, and prevent any unwanted interactions. Whether it’s managing medication regimens, adjusting caffeine intake, or seeking professional advice, knowing the possible interactions between coffee and drugs empowers individuals to make informed choices and promotes safer and more effective healthcare practices. In this article, we shall be looking at the list of drugs, herbal medications, and nutritional supplements that can interact with coffee.
List of Medication You Should Avoid Taking With Coffee
It’s important to note that drug interactions can vary depending on the individual, their health conditions, and the specific medications being used. Here are 20 medications that have the potential to interact with coffee:
1. Antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants): Coffee may interfere with the metabolism and efficacy of these medications.
2. Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone): Coffee may enhance the side effects of these medications, such as restlessness or agitation.
3. Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam): Coffee can reduce the sedative effects of these medications.
4. Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Coffee may interfere with the breakdown of these medications, potentially leading to increased bleeding risk.
5. Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol): Coffee may diminish the effects of these medications on heart rate and blood pressure.
6. Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, amlodipine): Coffee may interact with these medications, potentially affecting blood pressure control.
7. Oral contraceptives: Coffee may interfere with the metabolism of estrogen in birth control pills, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
8. Antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate): Coffee can affect the absorption of certain antacids.
9. Antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, erythromycin): Coffee may interfere with the absorption and metabolism of certain antibiotics.
10. Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine): Coffee may reduce the effectiveness of these medications.
11. Antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone, flecainide): Coffee may interact with these medications, potentially affecting heart rhythm control.
12. Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, loratadine): Coffee may enhance the stimulant effects of these medications.
13. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): Coffee may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects associated with NSAIDs.
14. Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol, salmeterol): Coffee may enhance the stimulant effects of these medications.
15. Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine): Coffee may enhance the stimulant effects of these medications.
16. Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide): Coffee may interact with these medications, potentially affecting fluid balance and blood pressure control.
17. Antidiabetic medications (e.g., metformin, insulin): Coffee may affect blood sugar control and the metabolism of these medications.
18. Sedatives/hypnotics (e.g., zolpidem, temazepam): Coffee may reduce the sedative effects of these medications.
19. Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproate): Coffee may interact with these medications, potentially affecting mood stabilization.
20. Opioids (e.g., codeine, oxycodone): Coffee may interact with these medications, potentially affecting pain relief and sedation.
List of Herbal Drugs You Should Avoid Taking With Coffee
It’s important to note that medicinal plants can also interact with coffee and other substances. However, the evidence for such interactions may vary. Here are 20 commonly used herbal medications that have the potential for interaction with coffee:
1. St. John’s Wort: Coffee may reduce the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort, which is often used for mood disorders.
2. Echinacea: Coffee may interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of echinacea, commonly used for immune support.
3. Ginseng: Coffee may enhance the stimulant effects of ginseng, potentially leading to increased heart rate and restlessness.
4. Valerian: Coffee may reduce the sedative effects of valerian, which is often used for sleep disorders and anxiety.
5. Ginkgo Biloba: Coffee may increase the risk of jitteriness or restlessness when taken with ginkgo biloba, which is used for cognitive support.
6. Saw Palmetto: Coffee may interfere with the metabolism and effectiveness of saw palmetto, often used for prostate health.
7. Milk Thistle: Coffee may affect the metabolism of milk thistle, which is used for liver support and detoxification.
8. Garlic: Coffee may interact with garlic, potentially affecting its blood-thinning properties and cardiovascular benefits.
9. Licorice Root: Coffee may enhance the stimulant effects of licorice root, which is used for digestive and respiratory health.
10. Turmeric: Coffee may interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of turmeric, often used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
11. Feverfew: Coffee may interact with feverfew, which is used for migraines, potentially affecting its effectiveness.
12. Hawthorn: Coffee may interact with hawthorn, commonly used for cardiovascular health, potentially affecting blood pressure control.
13. Kava: Coffee may increase the risk of jitteriness or restlessness when taken with kava, which is used for relaxation and anxiety.
14. Chamomile: Coffee may reduce the sedative effects of chamomile, which is often used for relaxation and sleep support.
15. Eucalyptus: Coffee may interact with eucalyptus, which is used for respiratory health, potentially affecting its effectiveness.
16. Peppermint: Coffee may interact with peppermint, commonly used for digestive support, potentially affecting its calming properties.
17. Ashwagandha: Coffee may interact with ashwagandha, often used for stress management, potentially affecting its effectiveness.
18. Black Cohosh: Coffee may interfere with the metabolism and effectiveness of black cohosh, which is used for menopause symptoms.
19. Rhodiola: Coffee may enhance the stimulant effects of rhodiola, commonly used for energy and stress management.
20. Evening Primrose: Coffee may interact with evening primrose, potentially affecting its anti-inflammatory and hormonal balancing properties.
List of Nutritional Supplements You should Avoid Taking With Coffee
Interactions between dietary supplements and coffee can vary, here are the commonly used dietary supplements that have the potential for interaction with coffee:
1. Iron Supplements: Coffee can decrease the absorption of iron, so it’s recommended to avoid consuming coffee with iron supplements.
2. Calcium Supplements: Coffee may interfere with the absorption of calcium, so it’s advisable to separate coffee consumption from calcium supplement intake.
3. Magnesium Supplements: Coffee can have a diuretic effect, potentially increasing the excretion of magnesium. Separating coffee consumption from magnesium supplement intake is recommended.
4. Zinc Supplements: Coffee may interfere with the absorption of zinc, so it’s advisable to separate coffee consumption from zinc supplement intake.
5. Vitamin D Supplements: Coffee may reduce the absorption of vitamin D, so it’s recommended to separate coffee consumption from vitamin D supplement intake.
6. Fish Oil/Omega-3 Supplements: Coffee may increase the risk of fishy aftertaste or gastrointestinal side effects when taken with fish oil or omega-3 supplements.
7. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Coffee may decrease the absorption of CoQ10, so it’s advisable to separate coffee consumption from CoQ10 supplement intake.
8. Melatonin Supplements: Coffee may interfere with the sleep-promoting effects of melatonin, so it’s recommended to avoid consuming coffee close to bedtime when taking melatonin supplements.
9. Probiotics: Coffee may have a potential impact on the viability of probiotic bacteria, so it’s advisable to separate coffee consumption from probiotic supplement intake.
10. B Vitamins: Coffee can increase the excretion of B vitamins, so it’s recommended to ensure adequate intake or consider supplementation if consuming coffee regularly.
11. Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Coffee may interfere with the absorption of glucosamine and chondroitin, commonly used for joint health.
How to minimize potential interactions between drugs, herbal medications, nutritional supplements, and coffee
To help minimize potential interactions between drugs, herbal medications, nutritional supplements, and coffee, consider the following tips:
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Talk to your healthcare professional or pharmacist about any medications, herbal medications, or nutritional supplements you are taking and discuss their potential interactions with coffee. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.
2. Read Labels and Package Inserts: Thoroughly read the labels and package inserts of medications, herbal medications, and nutritional supplements to check for any warnings or precautions regarding coffee interactions.
3. Timing: Consider separating the timing of coffee consumption from the intake of medications, herbal medications, and nutritional supplements. Take them at least one hour before or a few hours after drinking coffee to minimize potential interactions.
4. Adjust Coffee Intake: If you are concerned about potential interactions, you may consider reducing your coffee consumption or switching to decaffeinated coffee. Decaffeinated coffee still contains trace amounts of caffeine, so be mindful of that as well.
5. Be Mindful of Caffeine Content: Remember that other beverages and foods can also contain caffeine, such as tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and some medications. Take into account your total caffeine intake from all sources to better manage potential interactions.
6. Keep a Medication and Supplement List: Maintain an updated list of all the medications, herbal medications, and nutritional supplements you are taking. Include the dosage and frequency. Share this list with your healthcare professional and pharmacist to identify potential interactions.
7. Seek Professional Guidance: If you are uncertain about potential interactions, consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist. They can provide specific guidance tailored to your needs and help you make informed decisions.
8. Report Adverse Effects: If you experience any unusual symptoms or adverse effects while consuming coffee and medications, herbal medications, or nutritional supplements, report them to your healthcare professional. They can assess whether the interactions may be responsible and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
Remember, that it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice based on your specific medications, herbal medications, and nutritional supplements, as well as your health condition.
