The time of taking depends on the drug and its mechanism of action. Some must be taken on an empty stomach (1 h 30 to 2 hours before any food intake) because their passage through the blood can be slowed down or even reduced by the presence of food. Others, on the contrary, must be taken during the meal in order to pass in greater quantity into the blood during digestion. To be sure, you ask your pharmacist or, failing that, you read the instructions.
The rules to know about when to take a medication
– The anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs or NSAIDs are taken with a meal to reduce irritation and damage to the stomach
– Anti-nausea drugs should be taken before meals.
– The paracetamol has the advantage of being able to be taken at a distance or during meals.
– Digestive dressings (in case of heartburn and heartburn) are always taken after meals.
– We are also careful with other drugs. Digestive dressings, for example, can interfere with the absorption of other drugs because they plaster the lining of the stomach to protect it from acidity. We will therefore take care to take them at a distance (2 hours minimum) from other treatments.
Take the medication with water
A drug is not swallowed “dry”, but always with liquid to prevent it from sticking to the esophagus. Ideally, it is taken with water, as other drinks can affect the way drugs work and tolerate.
