why should certain medicines be taken in conjunction together with food

If a medication isn’t used according to the directions for food, it could not work. In addition, it may result in adverse negative effects. The time of the meal, the quantity of the meal, as well as the kind of drinks and food consumed could influence the body’s reaction to the medication.

The absorption of medicine via the gastrointestinal tract

Food consumption can trigger various physiological changes which include an increase in flows of blood into the stomach, the release of bile, as well as changes in the pH (acidity) and intestinal motility. These changes in the gut’s physiology can affect the amount of medicine that is absorbed from the stomach to the bloodstream, which could influence the body’s response to medication.

Certain medicines should be taken with food as the physiological changes that occur after eating can boost the quantity of medication absorbed by the body. Itraconazole capsules (used to treat a variety of fungal infections), for example, are best taken alongside food and, in certain cases, drinks that are acidic, like cola, as this substance requires an acidic environment in order to be taken in.

In other instances, there are instances where changes in the digestion and gut secretions process may reduce the effectiveness of a medication. Certain antibiotics, such as phenoxymethylpenicillin (also known as penicillin V), are best taken on an empty stomach as they can be less effective after prolonged exposure to acidic conditions.

Do not eat breakfast grapefruit if you are taking certain drugs. Liz west/Flickr, CC BY

Foods can create a physical blockage to the outside of the gut wall. This can stop certain medications from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Certain food ingredients, like calcium or iron, could also bind to specific medicines. This could reduce the absorption of drugs into the bloodstream and result in a decrease in effectiveness. Because of this, osteoporosis drugs such as risedronate or alendronate should be taken with an empty stomach, with only water.

Incorporating certain medicines into your diet is a way to lower the risk of having side consequences. Drugs for diabetes, such as glimepiride and gliclazide (belonging to the category of medications referred to by the name of sulfonylureas), are best taken along with food in order to decrease the risk of a drop in blood sugar.

The use of medicines like Ibuprofen (for inflammation and pain) and metformin (for diabetes) in conjunction with food is suggested to help reduce stomach upset and nausea.

Is size really a factor?

Indeed, the relation between the amount of food consumed and the effect of medicine hasn’t been extensively investigated. If you have to finish a medication in conjunction with food, and it’s not a mealtime, often eating a snack can be enough. However, for certain medicines, the size of the food portion is vital. Orlistat, For instance, decreases the intake of fats in food and aids in losing weight. It is, therefore, important to take it in conjunction with meals to maximize effectiveness.

Always adhere to the advice of your healthcare professional. Taki Steve/Flickr, CC BY

The composition of your meals can be significant. Consuming foods that are high in proteins, fiber, or fat may affect the way that medicines are absorbed. Certain medicines.

Drinks like tea, milk, coffee, and juices from fruits could be a factor in the way that certain medications affect the body.

Dairy products must be avoided within 2 hours after taking antibiotics, such as the antibiotics ciprofloxacin as well as norfloxacin, but they are able to be consumed at other times.

It is possible to stay away from grapefruit completely as it may hinder the metabolism (processing) of some drugs in the body, which can cause negative side effects.

Medicine labels demystified

Read the labels of medicines carefully for information on foods or drinks. Unless advised otherwise, tablets or capsules must be taken in water.

If the label reads “take with or after food,” it is a sign that the medicine must be taken at the time of eating or within a half hour after eating.

If you are taking a medicine “on an empty stomach,” ensure that you have not had a meal in the past two hours. It would help if you waited for at least half an hour after taking the medication before eating a meal again unless the label indicates that it is not recommended to do so.