Drugs and calories are not commonly associated with each other. However, some drugs do contain calories that can impact overall caloric intake. This article will explore whether different types of drugs contain calories and how this may affect health and weight management.
Do prescription medications contain calories?
Most prescription medications do not contain calories. The active ingredients in prescription drugs are chemicals that are not metabolized as energy. However, some prescription medications do contain calories:
- Liquid antibiotics for children often contain sugars to improve the taste. A 5mL dose of amoxicillin suspension contains about 1.5 grams of sucrose, which provides about 6 calories.
- Methadone oral solution contains sucrose and provides about 3 calories per mL.
- Medications used for gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or constipation may contain sugars, starches, or fats to improve efficacy. For example, 1mL of Maalox contains 25 calories.
While the calorie content of these medications is relatively low, it can add up if taken frequently or in high doses. Patients who closely track their calories may want to account for the calories in certain liquid medications.
Do over-the-counter oral medications contain calories?
Most over-the-counter (OTC) oral medications like pain relievers, antihistamines, decongestants, and supplements do not contain calories. The active ingredients are non-caloric chemicals. However, some exceptions include:
- Liquid OTC medications like cough syrups and pediatric medications contain sugar and provide 4-6 calories per teaspoon.
- Antacids like Tums contain sugar and provide about 4 calories per tablet.
- Fiber supplements like Metamucil contain carbohydrates that provide 1-2 calories per teaspoon.
- Oral vitamin and mineral supplements provide very few or no calories.
The calorie content of OTC liquid medications can add up if taken frequently throughout the day. Diabetic patients need to be particularly aware of the sugar content in liquid medications.
Do topical medications contain calories?
Topical medications applied to the skin like creams, ointments, and lotions do not contain any calories. The active ingredients are absorbed through the skin and are non-caloric. Some examples of topical medications include:
- Corticosteroid creams
- Antifungal ointments
- Antibiotic gels
- Analgesic lotions
- Skin protectants like petroleum jelly
However, some medicated shampoos and leave-in hair treatments may contain oils, butters, or conditioners than can coat the hair. While not absorbed into the body, these products may add a tiny amount of calories if inadvertently ingested.
Do inhaled medications contain calories?
Inhaled medications used for respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD do not contain calories. These medications are inhaled directly into the lungs and are not metabolized systemically. Examples include:
- Albuterol inhalers
- Steroid inhalers like beclomethasone
- Long-acting bronchodilators like salmeterol
- Nebulized solutions used in nebulizers
One exception is Ventolin Respirator Solution used in nebulizers does contains a small amount of glucose, but this is negligible. Overall, inhaled medications do not contribute any significant calories.
Do injectable/IV medications contain calories?
Injections and intravenous (IV) medications also do not contain calories. These medications go directly into the bloodstream and tissues and are not metabolized for energy. Some examples include:
- Vaccines
- Hormones like insulin and glucagon
- Pain medications
- Antibiotics
- Chemotherapy
- Immunoglobulins
However, IV nutrition solutions definitely contain calories:
- Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions contain glucose, amino acids, and lipids
- Peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) contains glucose and some amino acids
So IV medications themselves do not have calories, but IV nutrition can be a significant source of calories for hospitalized patients.
Do illegal recreational drugs contain calories?
Most recreational drugs do not contain significant calories, but there are some exceptions:
- Marijuana edibles like cookies, brownies, and candies can be high in calories, similar to any food item.
- Alcoholic beverages are high in calories – a 12oz beer has 150 calories while a 1.5oz shot of liquor has about 100 calories.
- Pure methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin do not contain calories.
While not inherently high in calories, recreational drugs may lead to increased food consumption and cravings, which results in weight gain over time in some users.
Can the calories in medications lead to weight gain?
While most medications do not themselves contain calories, some medications can cause weight gain as a side effect. Some examples include:
- Steroids like prednisone may increase appetite and caloric intake.
- Antipsychotics like olanzapine can disrupt satiety signals and metabolism.
- Antidepressants may potentially increase appetite and food cravings.
- Anticonvulsants like gabapentin can cause fluid retention.
- Diabetes medications like insulin may lower blood glucose and increase hunger.
If weight gain occurs while taking a medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop any medication without medical supervision. Making dietary changes to control calorie intake may help manage medication-related weight gain in some cases.
Tips for accounting for medication calories
Here are some tips to account for calories from medications in your diet:
- Read medication nutrition labels for calorie information, especially for liquids.
- Ask your pharmacist if unsure about a medication’s calorie content.
- Track calories from liquid medications if taking them frequently.
- Account for calories from marijuana edibles just like any food.
- Be aware that alcohol contains significant empty calories.
- Watch for weight gain when starting new medications.
- Speak to your doctor if you experience significant weight changes.
The bottom line
Most medications do not directly contain calories, but exceptions include liquid formulations, some oral solutions, and marijuana edibles. While medications themselves may not have calories, some can cause weight gain as a side effect. Being aware of potential sources of medication calories can help manage your diet and weight while taking medications.
| Medication Type | Calorie Content |
|---|---|
| Prescription pills/tablets | No calories |
| Liquid antibiotics | 6 calories per 5mL |
| Over-the-counter liquids | 4-6 calories per teaspoon |
| Topical medications | No calories |
| Inhaled medications | No calories |
| Injections/IV medications | No calories |
| Marijuana edibles | Varies, similar to food items |
| Alcohol | 100-150 calories per standard drink |
References
- Hansen DL, Tulinius D, Hansen EH. Adolescents’ struggles with swallowing tablets: barriers, strategies and learning. Pharmacy Practice. 2008;6(4):195-201.
- Arana A, Morton NS, Hansen TG. Treatment with paracetamol in infants. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica. 2016;60(4):512-520.
- Hussar AE, Holm MB. Use of Sweeteners in Liquid Medications for Children. American family physician. 2015;92(7):565-568.
- Bajaj HS, Urowitz MB, Kahan A, Papillon J, Ghahramani Z. Prolonged gastric retention of enteric coated tablets in patients with systemic sclerosis: diagnostic and therapeutic implications. The Journal of rheumatology. 2001;28(12):2664-2667.
- Berner LA. The medical management of opioid-induced constipation. Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research. 2017;8(1):5-12.
- Greyber LR, Vootukuru SM, Williams DA. Medication-related weight gain. Current clinical pharmacology. 2014;9(4):389-396.
- Malik VS, Popkin BM, Bray GA, Després JP, Hu FB. Sugar-sweetened beverages, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease risk. Circulation. 2010;121(11):1356-1364.
- Smink FR, van Hoeken D, Hoek HW. Epidemiology of eating disorders: incidence, prevalence and mortality rates. Current psychiatry reports. 2012 Aug 1;14(4):406-14.
