Pharmacist Natalia Timokhina explained the correct way to take medications to avoid health problems, and revealed two basic rules that must be followed.
First: Medications should be taken with 100 to 200 milliliters of pure water. It is not recommended to take them with tea, coffee, milk, or juices, as some of these beverages may interfere with the absorption of the medication and affect its effectiveness.
Second: The medication instructions must be followed precisely. If the instructions state to take it on an empty stomach , this means the stomach should be free of food, usually about 30 minutes before a meal, or at least two hours after the last meal.
She explains that the term “ before meals” usually refers to the period 30 to 60 minutes before eating, while the term “ during meals” means taking the medication during the meal, and the term “ after meals” means taking it about 30 minutes after finishing the meal.
She says: "The effect of food on medications varies greatly. In some cases, food hinders the absorption of the drug, leading to a decrease in the concentration of its active ingredient in the blood, and thus a decrease in the effectiveness of the treatment. In other cases, on the contrary, food enhances the absorption of the drug, leading to a significant increase in its concentration in the blood, and thus an increased risk of side effects."
