Taking medicine when you are sick is something everyone is familiar with, but not everyone knows how to take medicine correctly.
Do not break pills Some people may break pills if they appear too big, but this can affect the effectiveness of the medication. If the pill is marked with terms such as sustained-release, controlled-release, or enteric-coated, it should be taken as a whole. Taking the entire pill ensures a more stable concentration of the medication in the body and longer-lasting effects. Breaking the pill can accelerate the release of the medication, causing a high blood concentration in a short period of time and shortening the duration of the medication, thus affecting its efficacy.
Avoid taking medication with fruit juice When taking medication, it is best not to take it with fruit juice, as it may affect the effectiveness of the medication. Fruit juice, milk, tea, and other beverages may interact with the medication and affect its efficacy. Pharmacologists have confirmed that nearly 50 medications can react with fruit juice. It is best to take medication with warm water to ensure efficacy and safety.
Timing of medication with meals Taking medication during meals can also affect its effectiveness. "Before meals" generally means 0.5 to 1 hour before a meal, and "on an empty stomach" means 2 to 4 hours after a meal. If taking medication three times a day, it is recommended to schedule them at 7 am, 2-3 pm, and 10 pm. If taking medication twice a day, it should be scheduled at 7 am and 7 pm.
Avoid certain foods When taking medication, there are many foods that should be avoided, as they can affect the effectiveness of the medication. For example, when taking iron supplements, it is advisable to consume less oil, as fats can inhibit gastric acid secretion and reduce the absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract. When taking antihypertensive or anti-anginal medications, it is best to avoid high-salt foods. When taking bitter stomach tonics or digestive aids, it is not advisable to consume sweet foods.
Take medication in an upright position Taking medication while lying down can cause some medications to dissolve or adhere to the esophageal wall, affecting their absorption and irritating the esophagus, leading to inflammation or even ulcers. The correct position for taking medication is to be in an upright sitting position.
