Geeta Paulmer
Medical Advisor
Medical Advisor
The timing of medication intake is a crucial aspect of effective and safe medication use. It can be just as significant as the medication itself, as it can greatly impact its efficacy and potential side effects. Depending on the specific type of medication and its unique pharmacological effects, healthcare providers may recommend taking it either before or after food.
There are several reasons why some medicines must be taken before food.
One reason is to help increase the absorption of the medication into the bloodstream. When taken on an empty stomach, some medications are able to enter the bloodstream faster, allowing them to work more effectively. Food can affect the absorption of certain medications by slowing down the process or interfering with the chemical reactions that occur in the gut.
For example, oral thyroid medications, such as levothyroxine, are recommended to be taken on an empty stomach so that the absorption is optimum for the drug to be effective. When co-administered with food, absorption is reduced, compared with absorption on an empty stomach. Similarly, some oral antidiabetic drugs, such as the newer GLP-I receptor agonist semaglutide, should be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before a meal to ensure optimum absorption.
Another reason is to avoid any interactions with food. Certain medications can interact with food, leading to decreased effectiveness or potential side effects. Taking these medications on an empty stomach helps to minimise these interactions and ensures that the medication is not compromised by food components, such as minerals, fibres, or fats, which may bind to the drug and reduce its absorption or alter its effects.
For example, some antibiotics can interact with dairy products which can decrease their effectiveness.
On the other hand, some medicines are recommended to be taken after food.
One reason for this is increased tolerance. Some medications can cause stomach irritation or gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset. Taking these medications after food can help to buffer the stomach lining and reduce the risk of these side effects.
For example, taking iron supplements, and medicines like allopurinol (used to prevent gout attacks), after food can help reduce the risk of nausea or vomiting, which is a common side effect of these medicines. Similarly, aspirin can cause gastrointestinal intolerance issues (GI irritation) when taken on an empty stomach, which is why it is recommended to take it after a meal.
Food can also help to increase tolerance to certain medications by minimising their direct contact with the stomach lining, which can be beneficial for patients who have sensitive stomachs or are prone to experiencing stomach discomfort with medications.
Another reason is enhanced absorption. For some medications, taking them with food can actually enhance their absorption. Food can help to slow down the movement of medication through the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for more effective absorption and distribution of the medication in the body. This is particularly true for certain lipid-soluble medications that require the presence of dietary fats for optimal absorption. Examples of such medicines include antifungal medicines, and medicines used for treating parasitic worm infections.
Improved effectiveness can be another reason why some medicines benefit from being taken after food. In some cases, food can help to improve the effectiveness of medications by increasing their bioavailability, which refers to the amount of the medication that enters the bloodstream and is available for the body to use. Food can alter the pH (acidity) of the stomach, which can affect the solubility and absorption of certain medications, leading to improved effectiveness.
Some foods to avoid before taking medicine include:
Some foods you can consider consuming before taking medicine include:
In general, safe, non-interfering foods you can consume before taking your medicine include those that do not contain high levels of calcium, fibre, or fat. For example, plain rice, plain pasta, lean proteins (such as chicken or fish), and cooked vegetables.
These foods are generally safe to consume with most medications, but it's still important to read the medication instructions and speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.