Caffeine is a stimulant that can change how your body absorbs food and drugs.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants (blood thinners)are drugs that prevent or reduce blood clotting.
People at high risk of blood clots usually take an anticoagulant medication daily.
Fiordaliso / Getty Images
Common examples include Jantoven (warfarin) and heparin.
Research shows that caffeine increases the concentration of blood-thinning medication in the bloodstream, enhancing its effects.
People who consume caffeine regularly while taking anticoagulants may be at risk of bleeding.
Antipsychotics
Antipsychoticsare medications used to treat serious mental health conditions like major depressive disorder andschizophrenia.
Blood Pressure Medication
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common chronic health condition in the United States.
When left untreated, hypertension can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Alzheimers medicines like Aricept (donepezil) work directly on the brain and help protect the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Drinking coffee with these medications lessens their effectiveness.
Caffeine decreases how much of the medication reaches the brain.
Cold and Allergy Medications
If you regularly take medication forallergies or cold symptoms, verify if they containpseudoephedrine.
This medication is a nervous system stimulant and has many of the same effects as coffee.
Do not drink coffee when taking Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or Allegra (fexofenadine).
Diabetes Medication
Research shows that caffeine may worsendiabetes symptomsand interfere with glucose.
Methotrexate
Methotrexateis an immune-suppressing drug often used incancer treatment (chemotherapy).
Quinolone Antibiotics
Quinoloneantibioticslike Cipro (ciprofloxacin) treat bacterial infections.
Thyroid Medications
Thyroid medications work by regulating the amount of thyroid hormone in the body.
People withhypothyroidismhave low levels of thyroid hormone because the thyroid gland is not producing enough.
Your pharmacist is also a helpful resource.
When in doubt about interactions, check with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Avoid Coffee?
For some people,avoiding coffeeis the healthiest choice.
Speak to a healthcare provider if you have questions.
Summary
Coffee is a popular way for many adults to start the day.
However, the caffeine and other substances in coffee may cause health problems if you take certain medications.
Coffees components may increase or decrease the effects of some medicines.
It may also cause side effects.
Talk with a healthcare provider if you are unsure if coffee affects any of your medications.
If you take several prescription medications, consider talking with a pharmacist.
2018;31(2(Suppl.
2005;60(5):486-493. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02467.x
MedlinePlus.Asthma.
Medline Plus.Asthma: quick-relief drugs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.High blood pressure.
National Institute on Aging.Alzheimer’s disease fact sheet.
Oboh G, Ogunsuyi OB, Olonisola OE.Does caffeine influence the anticholinesterase and antioxidant properties of donepezil?
Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies.Metab Brain Dis.
American Diabetes Association.Caffeine impairs glucose metabolism in jot down 2 diabetes.
Benvenga S, Bartolone L, Pappalardo MA, et al.Altered intestinal absorption of L-thyroxine sparked by coffee.Thyroid.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.How much coffee can I drink while I’m pregnant?
2019;109(3):509-516. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqy297
