Why must some medicines be taken with or after food?

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Medical treatment is one of the most common treatment methods for most diseases today. In order to achieve the maximum treatment effect, the way to take the drug plays an extremely important role, the patient needs to know each case, each type of drug and when to take the drug.

1. How to take the right medicine

The correct way of taking medicine includes many factors such as not self-prescribing and self-buying drugs without the prescription of a treating doctor, because this will increase the risk of taking the wrong medicine and causing serious health problems. serious consequences. Patients should drink in a sitting or standing position, not lying down to drink or lie down after drinking, because the drug has not been taken to the stomach, it may stick to the esophageal wall, causing irritation to the esophagus and the drug cannot be effective. have a therapeutic effect.
Do not crush or bite the pill, but swallow the whole tablet, because it will release all the medicine into the body at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Take the medicine at the right dose and on a regular basis for maximum effectiveness. Proper storage of medicines, depending on the type of medicine, there will be a suitable storage method, in general, it is necessary to keep the medicine in a cool, dry place and avoid high humidity. Before taking the medicine, the patient should check the outer packaging, shape and color of the medicine for abnormalities. Do not take many drugs at the same time because it will be harmful to the patient's stomach, besides too many drugs are taken into the body will reduce the effectiveness of each drug. Do not take medicine to make up for the drug because it will increase the concentration of the drug in the blood, causing many unwanted effects... In which, taking the medicine at the right time is very important, the medicine can be taken on an empty stomach. If you are hungry, take medicine when you are full or take medicine after a meal, depending on the specific indications of each different disease.

2. Take medicine after meals

Some medicines need to be taken at the same time or after meals, for a few main reasons as follows:
Reduces side effects such as nausea and vomiting: Medicines such as Allopurinol, Bromocriptine or Madopar are medicines. May cause nausea and vomiting that patients need to take after meals. Reducing side effects of stomach irritation such as indigestion, stomach ulcers...: Typically, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, etc., should be taken with food such as biscuits, milk. ... to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Treatment of digestive problems such as heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion: Some antacids are taken after meals to prevent heartburn, reflux... because after food comes in the stomach will secrete acid, these drugs will help improve the above symptoms.. Make sure the medicine does not go away too quickly: Some medicines such as mouthwash, liquid Nystatin, Miconazole gel for oral thrush , mouth ulcers need to be taken after meals, as food can wash away the medication if taken before or during meals Make sure the medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream properly: Some medicines need to be taken with food in the stomach. stomach and intestines so that the body can absorb it well, eg HIV drugs Ritonavir, Saquinavir... Helps the digestive system process the food that is introduced: Oral diabetes medications need to be taken. Drink during meals to reduce blood sugar immediately after eating, avoid hypoglycemia. Some enzyme supplements for chronic pancreatitis should be used with meals to help the digestive system work better.

In order to be most accurate about how to take medicine as well as when to take it during the day, patients need to consult with the treating doctor and pharmacist to get the most clear and specific information.
In order for the treatment effect to be optimized, the right way to take medicine is essential, in which some drugs need to be prescribed to be taken after meals to reduce the impact on the patient's digestive system.
Vinmec International General Hospital is currently a high-quality medical care address that meets international standards with a team of experienced doctors and pharmacists combined with a system of modern equipment. Therefore, when there are any health problems, customers can go to the hospital for the best advice.

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