The influence of food on the pharmacokinetics of drugs

The therapeutic success, including effectiveness and tolerability of a drug, can not only be impaired by the simultaneous intake of other drugs. Drug-interactions with food intake or ingredients of food are also possible. Changes in the pharmacokinetics of the drug in all phases from liberation to excretion are possible.

Interactions of meals and food components with drugs are problems that are often underestimated in their importance in everyday life. This applies to both the patient and the prescriber. In addition, the information in the drug instructions is often too imprecise or too complex and therefore requires additional advice from the physician or the pharmacist. The interactions can be of non-specific as well as specific nature. This means that, on the one hand, the time of intake is important, depending on the meal and its composition. On the other hand, there are specific ingredients in food that can pose risks.

Knowledge on the individual mechanisms of the drug-food interaction is essential to ensure drug safety. It is therefore worthwhile to consider the kind of application of the drug. Moreover, the patient's eating habits must be considered when prescribing a medication.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 March 2024