Much ado about right time to take medicines

WHENEVER we buy or are prescribed medicines that are meant to be eaten, the majority of pharmacists or clinic assistants will advise us to take them either before food (on an empty stomach) or after food. This information is also stated on the label of the medicine.

What I am concerned about is that patients are not told when exactly “before food” is unless they ask.

I know many Malaysians, particularly seniors, who regard the taking of medicine before food to mean that they must take it just before they have their breakfast. I’m no pharmacist but based on experience (and as a general rule), if the label says that I should take the medicine before food, I will take it one or two hours before my meal.

Having said that, it is truly an effort to remember to take your medicine one or two hours before food, particularly for seniors and those who have hectic lifestyles (as well as those who are under long-term medication). Hence, many find it very convenient to take all their medicines just after their meals twice or three times a day.

I did ask a pharmacist once if there is any difference if I take the medica- tion before or after food. He gave me a reasonable response – if I take my medicine after food when it should be taken before food, the effectiveness would be reduced.

The best thing we can do is to ask or verify with the doctor or pharmacist when exactly is the “right” time to take any medicine if we want to maximise its effect. And it would be good to read the directions and warnings about possible side effects printed on the labels and packages very carefully. POLA SINGH Kuala Lumpur