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If you’re taking routine medications or tablets such as iron or ibuprofen, you might want to ensure you’re taking them properly – and we’re not talking about swallowing tablets with water or alongside food.
Peter Thnoia from PillTime, an NHS-registered online pharmacy, explains that juggling multiple prescriptions can be tricky. However, millions of people on long-term medications could be reducing their effectiveness simply by taking them at the wrong time of day.
He’s cautioned that failing to read the guidance thoroughly can make medicines less effective and increase the risk of unwanted side effects.
“Too often, people don’t read or fully follow the instructions that come with their medication – and that can have a real impact on how well those medicines work,” says Peter, who has over 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical sector, reports Chronicle Live.
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“Something as simple as taking a pill at the wrong time of day, or not alongside food when it’s needed, can reduce its effectiveness or even cause unwanted side effects”, reports the Mirror “Building a consistent routine and understanding the ‘when’ as well as the ‘what’ of your medication is key to getting the best results for your health.”
Statins – stop taking them at this time
One of the most common types of medication taken at the wrong time is certain statins.
This is a cholesterol-lowering drug that helps protect against heart disease. Millions of individuals across the UK, particularly those over 40, are prescribed statins including simvastatin and lovastatin.
These specific statins are most effective when taken in the evening, as this is when the body’s cholesterol production hits its peak.
Despite this, numerous people take them first thing in the morning out of habit, along with their other daily tablets. Peter explained: “Many people take their statins in the morning, simply because it’s when they take the rest of their medication.
“But for certain types, such as simvastatin, research shows they work best when taken in the evening – when the body naturally produces more cholesterol. If you take them at the wrong time, you could be reducing their effectiveness without even realising it.”
Supplements and other medications
It’s not only prescribed drugs that suffer from poor timing – nutritional supplements are often taken at unsuitable times too, lessening their potential benefits. Iron tablets, for example, are frequently taken during morning routines alongside breakfast or a quick cup of tea before rushing off to work.
However, dairy products can significantly reduce the amount of iron your body can absorb. Peter stresses that dairy is typically consumed first thing in the morning when people have cereal, tea, coffee and other breakfast items.
“There are plenty of people who take morning supplements like iron tablets to ‘get them through the day’ – often gulped down quickly before heading to work,” he says. “But iron is actually absorbed best on an empty stomach, and things like dairy, tea or coffee can block absorption. That’s why the best advice is to take iron tablets as soon as you get up, before breakfast.”
Other medicines you could be taking at the incorrect time
These encompass ADHD medications, Levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid, and particular pain relievers.
Levothyroxine is most effective when taken first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before having any food or drink to optimise absorption.
Pain relief medicines such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen, classified as NSAIDS, can cause stomach irritation – so it’s advisable to take them with food or a glass of milk.
Particular ADHD medicines, like methylphenidate, can trigger insomnia if taken too late in the day, therefore morning doses are recommended to control symptoms during waking hours without interfering with sleep.
