Does boiling water affect the efficacy of medicine?

The effect of boiling water on the efficacy of medicine is determined according to the nature of the medicine. Some medicines need to be boiled with water, such as 999 cold medicine and Isatis root, but volatile medicines cannot be boiled with water, which will cause the loss of efficacy. Therefore, before taking the medicine, we must understand whether the medicine can be taken with boiled water, and we also need to pay attention to the precautions and side effects of the medicine.

The following 5 types of medicines, including volatile Chinese herbal granules, should not be taken with boiled water, otherwise it will affect the efficacy.

Volatile Chinese medicine granules

Traditional Chinese medicines such as honeysuckle, bupleurum, schizonepeta, patchouli, and mint have a special aromatic smell. This is because they contain volatile oils with medicinal value. Most volatile oils are unstable and easily evaporate and decompose when exposed to heat. Many Chinese herbal granules and powders contain these drugs. It is recommended that the water temperature should not exceed 40℃~60℃ when taking them.

Digestive enzyme drugs

Digestive enzyme drugs such as compound digestive enzymes and pepsin are easily coagulated and denatured when heated, resulting in reduced efficacy or ineffectiveness. They should be taken with cold or warm boiled water.

Live bacteria medicine

Polio sugar pills (containing live attenuated polio vaccine), probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and Bacillus subtilis are not resistant to high temperatures. Brewing them with boiling water or taking them orally can inactivate them, resulting in reduced efficacy. Generally, it is recommended to use warm water or cold boiled water below 40℃ for taking the medicine.

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is unstable when exposed to heat and easily forms high molecular polymers, causing allergic symptoms similar to penicillin. When taking amoxicillin granules, the water temperature should be controlled, preferably below 40℃ or with cold boiled water. It is best to take it immediately after taking it, and it should not be kept for a long time.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C effervescent tablets are composed of vitamin C, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate and other ingredients. After adding water, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate react to release carbon dioxide, resulting in a lot of bubbles. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, so it does not require very hot water to dissolve. At the same time, vitamin C is unstable in nature. If it is brewed with boiling water, it will easily oxidize and decompose, reducing its efficacy. It is recommended to brew with warm water below 40℃.