In many cases, caffeine interacts with drugs, and other components of coffee also play an important role. Studies have shown that dozens of drugs, including antidepressants, estrogen preparations, drugs for osteoporosis and thyroid diseases, will change their efficacy under the influence of coffee.
A study conducted in 2008 found that if patients drink coffee before or shortly after taking thyroxine, the drug absorption effect will be reduced by 55%. Other research results also show that coffee can reduce the absorption rate of alendronate (bone resorption inhibitor) by 60%. In addition, coffee can reduce the level of circulating hormones in women, including estrogen.
Strangely, some prescription drugs will enhance the effect of coffee and coffee drinks. These drugs, including antidepressants, antibiotics and oral contraceptives, inhibit enzymes, such as CYP 1A2, which are known to help the human body absorb caffeine. Therefore, caffeine will stay in the human body for longer than usual. Experiments show that caffeine stays in women for four hours longer than others.