Why some medications must be taken with food

If you've bought medication at the pharmacy, the attendant will be keen to explain to you how to take them. This includes the frequency of which you should consume them, foods to avoid when taking them and whether you are to take them with meals, before or after.

Here are some of the reasons why you may have to take some of your medicine with food:

Ensures medicine is absorbed in blood steam well

Some medication can be difficult to absorb when taken on an empty stomach. As such, one needs to munch up something beforehand.

A good example of this type of medication is the antiretroviral drug (ARV).

Avoids the medication being washed away

When you have oral thrush or mouth ulcers, you'll be prescribed to certain mouth washes. These are effective if used after a meal. You'll realize that eating food washes the medicine faster than usual.

Reduces nausea side effects

Some medicine can make you throw up, especially when they are taken on an empty stomach. As a result, you should eat something before taking the drugs. Ensure that you avoid dairy products since these increase chances of nausea.

Prevents stomach ulcers or indigestion

Asprin, ibuprofen and other steroid and non-steroidal drugs are culprits that get your stomach lining on fire if taken on an empty stomach. To avoid this, you are advised to take a full meal prior to consuming them. That way, you limit the possibility of having a corroded stomach lining.

Helps the body to process meals

When you evaluate the use of enzyme supplements, you'll realize that their use is effective if one takes meals beforehand.

Diabetes medication is also meant to be taken with meals as it will significantly reduce the blood sugar levels after eating. This is applicable if you are administering the insulin medication orally.

Prevention of reflux and heartburn

Some drugs have components that might trigger refluxes and heartburns. To help hinder that, one may be encouraged to at least eat something before taking the drugs.

Being keen to ask your pharmacist to give you proper directions on how to take your medication will help you through and save you from any potential trouble.