"On an empty stomach"

Day Lewin

I keep seeing this on supplements - even some prescription medicines.

I always notice it on the bottle right after I've had my morning mug of coffee - 'cause let's face it, I can hardly READ until I have had my coffee!

So would it be so awful to take e.g. Tyrosine after coffee but before food? or does the caffeine do something dreadful to it?
DHEA is another one they say to take first thing, and I always forget (That one IS prescribed)
so, would it really matter to take it at elevenses time instead?

Frivolous but recurring question. Anybody have any knowledge of this?

Alun

Interested in this too.. also some medicines explicitly state that they should be taken with food, why is that?

HensVassal

There are different reasons. Some medicine can cause nausea and vomiting if taken on an empty stomach. Food in the stomach reduces this possibility. Also while food is being metabolised it helps the medicine to be more efficiently and effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. Some medicines irritate the stomach and taking them with a glass of milk or a slice of bread helps prevent this.

For the most part it's a good thing to take your meds after food for best results.

echo beach

HensVassal wrote: »

For the most part it's a good thing to take your meds after food for best results.

For the most part it is best to follow the directions given with your medicine or ask a pharmacist as it varies considerably depending on the chemistry of the medicine.
Some drugs are much better adsorbed if there isn't food, and the acid produced to digest it, in the stomach.

On an empty stomach is generally taken to mean at least 30 minutes (preferably 60) before eating or 2 hours after eating. Clear drinks, such as water and tea or coffee without milk aren't regarded as 'food' but again it is important to check as they can sometimes have an effect on the adsorption of a particular drug. It doesn't mean the drug won't work but it may not be as effective.

In practice this is a direction that is very difficult to stick to, especially if a medicine has to be taken several times a day. It is only when you are eating that you remember you should have taken it an hour earlier. That is why medicines that aren't affected by food or are taken with food are used when possible and so you are more likely to have come across the instruction, 'Take with or after food.'

Mrs OBumble

echo beach wrote: »

For the most part it is best to follow the directions given with your medicine or ask a pharmacist as it varies considerably depending on the chemistry of the medicine

A few years ago, I had the GP and the pharmacist give contradictory instructions. Do I googled the data sheet, and figured out for myself what I should do.

echo beach wrote: »

In practice this is a direction that is very difficult to stick to, especially if a medicine has to be taken several times a day. It is only when you are eating that you remember you should have taken it an hour earlier.

If it's important enough, you'll remember: I once spent a fortnight on a drug which had to be taken 2 hours after and 1 hour before food. Let's just say that my days were very carefully planned (and I managed to lose some weight along the way).