To Your Health: Ask Before You Swallow

Some medications, especially common over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and Advil, are usually taken with food. Pallot says eating helps protect the stomach lining and can lower the risk of irritation from these drugs.

Other medications need food to work as they should. Pallot explains that some drugs are absorbed better when taken with a meal. Without food, the body might not take in the medication as well, making it less effective.

On the other hand, some medications work best when taken on an empty stomach.

Pallot says that food can sometimes interfere with how certain drugs are absorbed. In these cases, taking medication with food may prevent patients from receiving the full benefit.

These different instructions can be confusing, especially for people who take several medications at once.

That’s why Pallot suggests talking directly with a pharmacist whenever you have questions about how to take your medication.

Instead of relying on general advice from friends, family, or the internet, she says pharmacists can provide guidance tailored to each person’s prescription and health needs.

Pharmacists review medication plans every day and can explain why certain instructions appear on prescription labels. They can also help patients figure out when to take their medicine and if food will affect how it works.

Pallot says that a brief conversation with a pharmacist can help people avoid mistakes and ensure they use their medications correctly.

She says the safest thing to do is ask questions whenever you are unsure about the instructions.

As more people manage ongoing health issues and take several prescriptions, knowing how food affects medication is an important part of staying healthy and getting the most out of treatment.

by Dave Branco

To Your Health: Ask Before You Swallow

What's Trending