Incorrect medication methods not only weaken the efficacy, increase adverse reactions, but sometimes even endanger life. Be alert to these 8 misconceptions about medication methods summarized by doctors!
Misconception 1: Crushing or dissolving tablets
Some people break tablets or dissolve them in water because they can't swallow them or are afraid that children will choke. This not only affects the efficacy but also increases the adverse reactions of the medication.
The following types of tablets should never be broken or crushed:
First, sustained-release tablets: If broken, the medication does not transition directly into the stomach, which can destroy stomach acid and lose efficacy within a short period of time. Sustained-release tablets are prepared using special methods, and if chewed or broken, they will affect the efficacy.
Second, enteric-coated tablets: These are tablets that remain intact in the stomach but disintegrate or dissolve in the intestines. Breaking them will irritate the stomach. For example, if aspirin enteric-coated tablets are broken, without the protection of the enteric coating, the medication cannot safely reach the intestines and will dissolve in the stomach, losing its efficacy and irritating the stomach lining.
Third, capsules: If capsules are opened, they have a distinct odor and are not suitable for children to take. It is also difficult to accurately measure the dosage. There are two types of capsules: regular capsules and sustained-release capsules. Breaking open sustained-release capsules will destroy their structure and prevent the slow release of the medication.
Therefore, unless specifically instructed by a doctor or indicated in the medication instructions, do not do this. However, when taking Chinese patent medicines, the method may be different. For example, for large pills, they should be divided into smaller pieces using a clean knife or hands and taken with warm water.
Misconception 2: Exercising immediately after taking medication
Just like after eating, exercising immediately after taking medication is not recommended. If you engage in exercise (especially intense exercise) immediately after taking medication, blood will flow to the limbs and other active parts of the body, reducing the blood flow to the gastrointestinal organs. This can slow down or prevent the absorption of the medication, greatly reducing its therapeutic effect.
Scientific research shows that after taking medication, it generally takes 30-60 minutes for the medication to dissolve in the gastrointestinal tract, be absorbed by the small intestine, and have its active ingredients distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. Therefore, a certain amount of blood circulation is needed after taking medication.
Regardless of the intensity of exercise, it will have some impact on the absorption and efficacy of the medication. Low-intensity exercise (such as walking) has a smaller impact, while high-intensity exercise (such as playing basketball) has a larger impact. Therefore, whether it is tablet medication or liquid medication, it is not advisable to exercise immediately after taking it. Even for minor colds, in order to achieve effective treatment and facilitate quick recovery, it is important to rest properly after taking medication.
So, how long should you wait before exercising after taking medication?
Generally, liquid medications do not need to dissolve and can be directly absorbed in the intestines, but it is still advisable to wait at least 30 minutes before exercising. Tablet medications usually need to dissolve in gastric acid, and if they are enteric-coated tablets or capsules (such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, pancreatin enteric-coated tablets, cefradine capsules, and cold medicine capsules), they need to reach the intestines before dissolving. Therefore, it is best to wait for 1 hour before exercising. It is also important to avoid engaging in intense exercise to ensure the medication is fully absorbed and has its intended therapeutic effect, which is beneficial for the body's recovery.
Misconception 3: Taking medication before meals at "3 times a day"
Generally, medication instructions will state "take 3 times a day before meals." Some patients misunderstand this and take medication before every meal. In fact, this is incorrect. "3 times a day" is determined by pharmacologists based on experimental measurements of the metabolism rate of the medication in the human body. It means dividing the 24 hours in a day into 3 equal intervals and taking the medication every 8 hours.
Taking medication on time ensures a stable concentration of the medication in the blood, achieving the desired therapeutic effect. If all 3 doses of medication are taken during the day, the blood concentration will be too high during the day, posing a risk to the body, and the concentration will not reach the desired level during the night.
Misconception 4: Taking medication while lying down
Taking medication while lying down can cause the medication to adhere to the esophageal wall, affecting its efficacy and possibly irritating the esophagus. It can even lead to coughing, inflammation, or even damage to the esophageal wall, potentially leading to esophageal cancer. It is best to take medication while standing or sitting. The sitting position keeps the body upright, allowing the medication to enter the intestines smoothly under the force of gravity. It also prevents sudden fainting. After taking medication, do not lie down immediately. It is best to stand or walk for one minute to allow the medication to fully enter the stomach.
However, for emergency medications such as nitroglycerin for relieving angina, a semi-reclining position is recommended. If the patient takes the medication while standing, it may cause postural hypotension, leading to temporary anemia and fainting. Also, after taking the medication by mouth for about half an hour, dizziness and headache may occur, so standing up can easily result in falling.
Misconception 5: Dry swallowing tablets
Dry swallowing tablets is very dangerous. The medication can get stuck in the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow and absorb the medication's efficacy. It can also cause discomfort. On one hand, it can cause the tablets to adhere to the esophageal wall, leading to damage to the esophageal mucosa. On the other hand, without enough water to help dissolve the tablets, some medications can form stones in the body, such as compound sulfonamide medications like Xinnuoming.
Misconception 6: Taking medication with beverages
Various beverages such as milk, fruit juice, tea, and cola can interact with medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or even posing a danger. The correct method is to take medication with plain water.
But there are special cases where taking medication with certain beverages can enhance their efficacy. For example, Chinese patent medicines like Liuwei Dihuang Pills, Qiju Dihuang Pills, and Zhike Dihuang Pills are better taken with a solution of diluted saltwater. Houttuynia cordata tablets and Xiangsha Yangwei Pills, which help with digestion, are better taken with hot ginger soup. Chinese patent medicines that regulate the spleen and stomach are better taken with hot rice porridge.
Misconception 7: Not paying attention to dietary restrictions during medication
Improper diet can reduce the efficacy of medication and, in severe cases, even endanger life. Certain foods should be avoided while taking medication or during treatment, commonly known as "dietary restrictions." There are two main situations:
First, while taking a certain medication, it is necessary to avoid consuming certain foods, such as food contraindications for the medication. For example: ginseng should not be taken with radishes, rehmannia and honey should not be taken with green onions, and mentha should not be taken with soft-shelled turtles. During the treatment of headaches, alcohol should be avoided because alcohol needs to be oxidized into acetaldehyde, which is further oxidized into acetic acid for metabolism in the body. Medications for headaches hinder the oxidation of acetaldehyde into acetic acid, resulting in the accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body, exacerbating headache symptoms.
Second, during treatment, it is necessary to avoid consuming raw, cold, greasy, spicy, indigestible, and irritating foods to avoid adverse effects on the condition.
Misconception 8: Drinking too much water
Drinking too much water after taking medication can dilute stomach acid, which hinders the dissolution and absorption of the medication. One small cup of warm water is enough to take solid medications.
In addition, it is also not recommended to take oral liquids with water. Diluting oral liquids with water will lower the concentration of the medication, affecting its absorption. It also prevents the formation of a protective film at the site of inflammation, blocking irritation. The correct method is to wait for five minutes after swallowing before drinking water. It is especially important to follow the storage requirements for liquid medications, as they are more prone to degradation compared to tablet medications.
For special formulations such as syrups, especially cough syrups, the medication needs to cover the inflamed mucous membrane of the throat to form a protective film, reducing mucosal inflammation, blocking irritation, and relieving cough. Therefore, do not drink water within 5 minutes after taking the syrup.
