Drug-Food Interactions (DFI)
Food and beverage interactions with medications
Introduction
Drug-food interactions can significantly affect medication efficacy and safety. Understanding these interactions is important when evaluating drug repurposing candidates, as different patient populations may have varying dietary habits.
Common Interaction Types
Absorption Effects
- Grapefruit juice: Inhibits CYP3A4, increasing drug levels
- High-fat meals: May delay or enhance absorption
- Dairy products: Can bind to certain antibiotics
Metabolism Effects
- Alcohol: May enhance CNS depression or hepatotoxicity
- Caffeine: May interact with stimulant medications
- Cruciferous vegetables: May affect warfarin metabolism
Severity Classification
| Level | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Significant clinical effect | Avoid combination |
| Moderate | May require timing adjustment | Separate by 2+ hours |
| Minor | Minimal clinical significance | General awareness |
Examples
| Drug Class | Food | Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Statins | Grapefruit | Increased drug levels |
| Tetracyclines | Dairy | Reduced absorption |
| MAOIs | Tyramine-rich foods | Hypertensive crisis |
| Warfarin | Vitamin K foods | Reduced anticoagulation |