Best time to take seven types of medicines

More and more medical experts emphasize that the importance of medication timing to the effectiveness of medication is far greater than people imagine. Many experts The optimal time to take seven types of commonly used medicines is summarized.

Osteoporosis medication: in the morning after waking up.

Bisphosphonates are the most commonly used drugs to treat osteoporosis. Experts say the most critical problem with the drug is its poor absorption, especially after contact with oil. Therefore, it is best to take this type of medicine with plain water on an empty stomach in the morning and eat after 1 hour.

It should be noted that the calcium and vitamin D supplements commonly taken by such patients will also interfere with the efficacy of bisphosphonates, and they must be taken after waiting for 1 hour.

Antihypertensive drugs: before going to bed at night.

Studies have found that taking antihypertensive drugs at night before bed is more effective than taking them in the morning, and can reduce the risk of angina, stroke and heart disease by 33%.

However, experts say that patients who already take antihypertensive drugs in the morning do not need to change the time of taking the medicine, because low blood pressure can also increase the risk of stroke.

Arthritis medication: mid-afternoon.

Studies have found that arthritis patients are most ill in the afternoon. Therefore, the best time to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen is from noon to afternoon.

In addition, the study also found that rheumatoid arthritis is most severe in the morning, and these patients are best to take medication after dinner.

Lipid-lowering drugs: before going to bed at night.

Studies have found that taking the lipid-lowering statin drug simvastatin before going to bed at night is more effective in lowering bad cholesterol levels than taking the drug in the morning. The lipid-lowering drug atorvastatin (Lipitor) can increase good cholesterol levels more when taken in the evening than in the morning.

Hypothyroidism medication: before going to bed at night.

Studies have found that taking hypothyroidism medications before bed can significantly increase thyroid hormone concentrations. Taking levothyroxine at night allows the drug to stay in contact with the intestinal wall longer and be better absorbed.

Additionally, it is best to avoid taking calcium and iron supplements, high-fiber foods, antacids, and antidepressants within two hours of taking hypothyroidism medications.

Heart disease medications: In the morning, right after you wake up.

Studies have shown that KLF15 protein plays a vital role in regulating heart rhythm. Based on the changing characteristics of this protein, heart disease medications are most effective when taken before getting up in the morning.

Antacids: Take at night.

Previously, doctors would usually recommend that patients take antacid proton pump inhibitors half an hour before breakfast. However, new research has found that such medications are more effective when taken at night. Taking rabeprazole in the afternoon or evening is more than 70% effective in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, while taking the medicine in the morning only provides 42% of the symptoms.