Medication is something that even the he althiest of people take when needed. Modern medicine offers a wide range of medicines for all diseases and conditions. However, in order for the intake of these drugs to be maximally effective, it is necessary to follow the recommendations described in the leaflet of each drug. It is no coincidence that some medications are taken with food and others on an empty stomach. The explicit recommendation to take certain medications at a precisely defined time interval is also not accidental.
These and many other conditions for taking medicines are given precisely so that their influence on the healing processes in the body is as great as possible. When these recommendations are not followed, we unknowingly reduce the effect of the medicinal product, thereby reducing the benefits for our body as well.
What are the mistakes that are often made when taking medicine?
Breaking, splitting the tablets
If you think that the active substances in the tablet are distributed exactly on its edges, figuratively speaking, you are wrong. Many people divide the tablets, thinking that the two halves of the pill contain equal parts of active substance. This is not so. Splitting the tablets runs the risk of not getting the required amount of medication.
You do not take the tablets at the indicated time
One common mistake is taking medication at the wrong time. Many people forget to take their pills at the time indicated by their doctor or in the leaflet, which reduces the effect of the preparation on the he alth condition.
Combining medicines with inappropriate foods
Some foods and drinks have an effect on medications. Certain foods can reduce the effect of the drug, others can increase it. In other cases, it is possible to overload the liver. For example, few people know that grapefruit is a fruit with a more toxic effect on the liver. It can also negatively affect the intake of some medications. Alcohol is also among the drinks that have a toxic effect when taken simultaneously with drugs.
You are taking some medications on a full stomach
Follow the instructions described in the leaflet of each medicine. If it is specifically mentioned that it should be taken on an empty stomach, then its effect on a full stomach is reduced. Medicines that should be taken on an empty stomach, but are taken after a meal, usually have a reduced effect.
You take medication along with vitamins and antacids
If you suffer from reflux, you are probably taking antacids that reduce heartburn. These medications form a film on the lining of the stomach, blocking its proton pump that secretes hydrochloric acid. Acid-suppressing medications also block the absorption of other medications, so it's good to take them several hours apart. The same goes for taking vitamins.
Using a kitchen spoon instead of a measuring spoon
Dosing the medication in a liquid state is very important. If you use a kitchen spoon to measure the detergent, it can mislead you about the amount. It is necessary to use a measuring spoon in order to be completely sure of the dose of medicine, especially when it comes to taking medicine by babies and children.
You are mixing over-the-counter medications
Many people make the mistake of thinking that over-the-counter drugs are harmless. Not only are they not, but mixing them with other medications can have a toxic effect or reduce their effectiveness. Always read carefully the leaflets of any medicine you take and consider its general intake with other medicines, vitamins, food, drinks.
