The 13 essential vitamins support body functions such as cell development and growth, maintaining brain function, developing and maintaining strong bones and converting carbohydrates into energy. A balanced diet is the best source for all vitamins, but many people take vitamin supplements to meet the recommended daily requirements. If you take a vitamin supplement, be aware that the desired effect of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can be altered by vitamins.
Vitamin E Interactions
Vitamin E, a fat soluble vitamin, is an antioxidant with properties that protect body tissues and is active in red blood cell formation. Vitamin E can interfere with the way the body absorbs medications, such as the antidepressants imipramine, nortriptyline and desimpramine; beta-blockers for high blood pressure, such as propranolol; antipsychotic medications, such as chlorpromazine; and medications to lower cholesterol, such as cholestyramine, colestipol, lovastatin, atorvastatin and pravastatin.
Other types of interactions may occur, such as reducing the effectiveness of cyclosporine used for cancer treatment and mebendazole used for intestinal worm treatment, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Always check with your physician or pharmacist before you take vitamin E supplements.
Vitamin B12 and Drugs
Vitamin B is a complexity of vitamins -- B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. The B vitamins play a significant role in enzyme activity and supplying energy from the food you eat. Vitamin B12 is essential for preventing anemia.
Conflicts between vitamin B12 and medications, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements, include medications to reduce stomach acid, such as cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, omeprazole, esomeprazole and lansprazole; anticonvulsants, such as phenobarbital and phenytoin; chemotherapy agents, such as methotrexate; and cholesterol-lowering medications, such as cholestyramine, colsevelam and colestipol. Some antibiotics, such as tetracycline, should not be taken at the same time as vitamin B12.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is used most often to prevent or treat the common cold. Vitamin C is necessary for maintaining adequate immune responses. Discuss the use of vitamin C with your health care provider before you take estrogen replacement therapy; antacids containing aluminum; chemotherapy agents; medications for HIV or AIDS, such as nelfinavir, saquinavir, amprenavir and ritonavir; statins for cholesterol management, such as lovastatin, atorvastatin and pravastatin; and warfarin to slow blood clotting.
Possible minor interactions can occur with vitamin C and acetaminophen, aspirin, nicardipine, salsalate and choline magnesium trisalicylate.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for building strong bones and teeth. The natural source for vitamin D is absorption of the sun through the skin. If you are diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency requiring supplements, tell your health care provider or pharmacist about any medications you are taking. Interactions have been reported with steroids, such as prednisone; drugs to lower cholesterol, such as cholestyramine; and medications to control or prevent seizures, such as phenytoin and phenobarbital, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
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