Should these medications be taken before or after meals?#
In daily life, we often encounter various situations that require taking medications. However, many people may not be aware that taking different medications at different times can significantly affect their efficacy and safety. Choosing the correct time to take medication can not only enhance its effectiveness but also reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions. When taking medications, it is advisable to carefully read the instructions and consult a doctor or pharmacist to ensure safety and effectiveness.
1. Taking before meals#
Taking medications before meals usually refers to taking them within 15-60 minutes before eating. The advantage of this method is that the medications can enter the gastrointestinal tract and be absorbed more quickly, thus achieving better therapeutic effects. Here are some common medications taken before meals.
(1) Gastroprotective agents#
Such as sucralfate and potassium citrate, these medications should be taken 1 hour before meals and before bedtime to form a protective layer on the stomach wall.
(2) Gastroprokinetic agents#
Such as domperidone and mosapride, taking them 15-30 minutes before meals can better promote gastric motility and aid digestion.
(3) Antihypertensive medications#
Such as captopril and perindopril, food can reduce the absorption of these medications, so it is recommended to take them before meals.
(4) Antibacterial medications#
Such as azithromycin and levofloxacin, it is recommended to take them 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals to reduce food interference with drug absorption.
2. Taking after meals#
Taking medications after meals usually refers to taking them within 15-30 minutes after eating. The advantage of this method is that it can reduce the irritation of medications on the gastric mucosa, while also better utilizing the components in food to assist drug absorption. Here are some common medications taken after meals.
(1) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)#
Such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, taking them after meals can reduce irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.
(2) Vitamins#
Such as vitamins A and D, these fat-soluble vitamins are better absorbed when taken after meals.
(3) Digestive enzymes#
Such as compound digestive enzyme capsules, taking them after meals can help better digest food.
3. Taking during meals#
Taking medications during meals refers to taking them while eating. The advantage of this method is that the medications can mix with food, reducing irritation to the gastric mucosa, while also better exerting their effects. Here are some common medications taken during meals.
(1) Antidiabetic medications#
Such as metformin and acarbose, taking them during meals can reduce gastrointestinal reactions while better controlling postprandial blood sugar.
(2) Weight loss medications#
Such as orlistat, taking them during meals can reduce fat absorption.
4. Taking on an empty stomach#
Taking medications on an empty stomach refers to taking them 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals. The advantage of this method is that medications can be absorbed more quickly without food interference. Here are some common medications taken on an empty stomach.
(1) Bisphosphonates#
Such as alendronate, must be taken with plain water at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or other medications.
(2) Antituberculosis medications#
Such as rifampicin and isoniazid, taking them on an empty stomach can improve drug absorption rates.
5. Taking before bedtime#
Taking medications before bedtime usually refers to taking them 15-30 minutes before sleeping. The advantage of this method is that it can utilize nighttime to exert drug effects. Here are some common medications taken before bedtime.
(1) Bronchodilators#
Such as montelukast, asthma often occurs in the early morning, so taking it before bedtime can better control symptoms.
(2) Statins#
Such as simvastatin and pravastatin, the peak time for the liver to synthesize cholesterol at night is the best time to take these medications.