Article

Drugs Effects on Nutritional Status

Topic: Health Products and ServicesBy Dr. Thomas S. LeePublished Recently added

Legacy signals

Legacy popularity: 1,131 legacy views

Loop Diuretics (furosemide):
-Excretion of sodium, chloride, potassium, hydrogen ion, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, bicarbonate and possibly phosphate is enhanced.
-After 4 weeks of furosemide use, thiamin concentrations and transketolase activity was significantly reduced.

Thiazide Diuretics (hydrochlorthiazide) :
-Excretion of sodium, chloride, potassium, bicarbonate, magnesium, phosphate and iodine are enhanced.
-Calcium excretion is decreased.

Triamterene containing diuretics (Dyazide, Dyrenium, Maxzide):
-Triamterene is potassium sparing, supplementation could result in potassium overload.
-Folic acid deficiency is possible.

Histamine H2. Antagonists (Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, Axid):
-Reduction of gastric acid secretion resulting in mal digestion of protein.
-decreased vitami
B12 gastric acid is required for B12 absorption.
-Tagamet inhibits cytochrome P-450 pathways.

Biquanides (Metforman):
-Interferes with glucose absorption.
-Decreases absorption of B12.

Potassium Chloride:
-Interferes with the absorption of B12

Sulfasalazine:
-Interferes with folic acid metabolism

Oral Contraceptives:
-Oral contraceptives have significantly increased plasma vitami
A levels. This is thought to be mediated by steroid induced alterations in the rate of retinal-binding protein synthesis and release, depletion of reserves may result.
-Vitamin B6 deficiencies due to alteration in B6 arid tryptophan metabolism.
-Interference with folate absorption.
-Reduced serum B12 levels.
-Increased serum copper as a result of increased plasma ceruloplasm, clinical importance has not been determined.
-Increased serum iron and increased total iron-binding capacity along with increased incidence of iron deficiency anemia.
-Increased serum magnesium and zinc, clinical importance has not been determined.

Corticosteroids ( hyrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone etc..):
-Corticosteroids increase the rate of vitami
A transport from the liver, resulting in elevated serum levels and depletion of reserves.
-Negative nitrogen balance due to increased protein catabolism.
-Increased calcium excretion (increased catabolism).
-Sodium retention (mineralocorticoid activity).
-Increased potassium excretion ( sodium is exchanged for potassium).
-May deplete B6, B12 and folic acid.
-May deplete D3.

Bile acid sequestrants (Questran):
-Interference with absorption of fats and fat soluble vitamins.
-Enhanced absorption of chloride ions in exchange for bicarbonate ions which may lead to acidosis.
-Increased urinary calcium excretion.
-Increased urinary magnesium excretion.
-Altered absorption of phosphate and nitrogen.
-Vitamin K deficiency
-Reduced folic acid absorption.
-Reduced absorption of Vitamin E and iron are possible.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Zocor, Mevacor, Pravachol ):
-block the biosynthesis of Coenzyme Q-10

Levodopa:
-Pyridoxine reverses the effects of levodopa, although this does not occur when levodopa is given with carbadopa.( Pyridoxine stimulates decarboxylation of levodopa in the periphery, carbadopa inhibits decarboxylation.)

Phenytoin(Dilantin):
-Folate deficiency ( increased folate catabolism or utilization as a result of enzyme induction is considered to be the mechanism. However, supplementation may decrease the effectiveness of the phenytoin).
-Interference with vitami
D metabolism.

Folic acid analogues (methotrexate, pyrimethamine, trimethoprin):
-These antagonists inhibit the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase which can lead to a functional folate deficiency. Supplementation can antagonize the effect of these drugs.

NSAIDS (Motrin, Naprosyn, Tylenol,ASA etc...) :
-Reduce night time melatonin secretion ( related to prostaglandin inhibition).

Isoniazid:
-Increases excretion of pyridoxine into the urine resulting in deficiency.
-Inhibits tryptophan to niacin pathway resulting in increased need for niacin and tryptophan. n

Article author

About the Author

This article was written by Dr. Thomas S. Lee. Detailed Information can be found at nhttp://www.naturodoc.comn

Further reading

Further Reading

4 total

Article

Introduction: The Quiet Weight of Extra Medical Supplies In many homes and storage spaces, boxes of diabetic supplies slowly gather dust. They sit on shelves, in closets, and inside cabinets, often forgotten after treatment plans change or new prescriptions replace old ones. What begins as careful preparation for health can gradually become a burden that feels difficult to manage. The presence of extra supplies can create emotional and physical clutter, leaving people unsure

February 9, 2026

Article

A confident smile can make a lasting impression. If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth but don’t want the look or feel of traditional braces, Invisalign treatment in Lewisville offers a modern and discreet solution. With clear aligners and advanced digital technology, Invisalign makes it easier than ever to achieve a beautifully aligned smile—without metal brackets or wires. What Is Invisalign? rnInvisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series

February 9, 2026

Article

Sleep is not a luxury—it is a biological necessity. Yet millions of people struggle with poor sleep quality without realizing that their mattress may be a major part of the problem. From physical pain to mental exhaustion, the surface you sleep on plays a critical role in how your body and brain recover each night. Choosing the right mattress is not just about comfort; it is about long-term health, emotional balance, and daily performance. With guidance from a Local Mattres

February 5, 2026

Article

As seniors age, healthcare needs often become more complex and unpredictable. Medical concerns don’t follow a schedule—symptoms can worsen overnight, medications may need close monitoring, and emergencies can happen at any hour. This is why 24/7 nursing care in Downey, CA plays a critical role in protecting senior health and providing peace of mind for families. What Makes 24/7 Nursing Care Different? Unlike limited-hour care models, 24/7 nursing care ensures licensed nur

January 22, 2026