Drugs and Nutrition

Abstract

The prescription of drugs leads to the ingestion of additional substances which are present in all proprietary preparations as diluents, carriers, colourings or flavourings. For example many antibiotics and common cough suppressants are made up in solutions which contain much sugar. These should be avoided by diabetics and they contribute to the development of dental caries. Drugs such as Ampicillin, Metamucil and Bisacodyl have a high sodium content, and they should not be given to patients who require sodium restriction such as those with cirrhosis or nephrosis. Similarly Penicillin G and salt substitute contain potassium and should be avoided in renal failure. Artificial colourings including tartrazine are used in some preparations, and they occasionally cause problems in patients with urticaria or hyperactivity.