Incompatible drugs and drinks

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Some popular drinks should definitely not be consumed together with medications. And if you've heard a lot about alcohol and antibiotics, then no one, as a rule, even suspects other, no less dangerous combinations. We present to you 5 deadly cocktails:

1. Grapefruit juice and… several dozen medications

In 1991, Canadian scientist David Bailey surprised the medical world with a discovery: grapefruit juice in combination with felodipine, a drug for hypertension, causes an overdose of the latter, even if it was taken in small doses. The culprit is naringin, which is contained in this fruit and blocks the enzyme in the liver that breaks down felodipine. As a result, the drug was destroyed more slowly, new doses increased its concentration in the body, which led to an overdose.

Since then, doctors have discovered that more than 50 popular drugs for various diseases can lead to a “grapefruit overdose.” And now all new drugs are tested for compatibility with this juice.

2. Energy drinks and cold medicine

The invigorating effect of energy is often achieved due to guarana extract – this South American liana contains a powerful charge of caffeine. In addition to a surge of strength and relief from drowsiness, guarana has another important effect on the body: it constricts blood vessels. The action of drops and sprays for a runny nose is also based on the constriction of blood vessels – which is why the nose starts to breathe. A double blow to the circulatory system, with a lack of luck or presence in a risk group, can lead to a stroke.

3. Aspirin and cherry juice

A glass of unsweetened cherry juice can act like aspirin by itself: relieve pain and inflammation, – report scientists from the US University of Public Health. The fact is that it contains salicylates, like aspirin (the second name of which is acetylsalicylic acid). These substances damage the stomach lining, causing ulcers, so it is best not to take them together on a regular basis.

4. St. John's wort tea and antidepressants

St. John's wort is one of the most popular herbs in folk medicine. It is used not only to treat angina and burns, but also to combat depressive disorders. Scientists have discovered that St. John's wort contains chemical elements that can alleviate the general condition during depression by preventing the reabsorption of serotonin – the “happiness hormone” by brain cells. But if you are already taking antidepressants from the group of MAO inhibitors, which act on the same principle, then tea with St. John's wort can lead to kidney failure and even a heart attack.

5. Cold drinks and paracetamol

Complex preparations that are dissolved in hot water and drunk for a cold often already contain paracetamol. If you combine their intake with regular paracetamol tablets, you can exceed the permissible 4 grams per day. In such cases, the liver is destroyed and death occurs – and such situations, unfortunately, are not rare. Be careful, be sure to study the composition of the medications you take.