If you take common medication or tablets like iron or ibuprofen, then you may want to ensure you are taking it right – and we’re not talking about taking tablets with a glass of water or with a meal. Peter Thnoia from PillTime, an NHS-registered online pharmacy, says juggling multiple prescriptions can be tricky.
However, millions of people taking long-term medications could be reducing their effectiveness simply by taking them at the wrong time of day. He’s advised that not reading the instructions properly 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.
“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. 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.”
One of the most common types of medication taken at the wrong time is certain statins. This is a cholesterol-lowering drugs that help protect against heart disease.
Millions of people in the UK, particularly those over 40, are prescribed statins such as simvastatin and lovastatin. These types of statins work best in the evening because the body’s cholesterol production peaks at night
However despite this, many people take them in the morning simply out of habit, alongside other medications. Peter added: “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.”
It’s not just prescription medicines that can be affected by timing – supplements are also often taken at the wrong time, reducing their benefits. Iron tablets, for example, are often taken in the morning with breakfast or a quick cup of tea before rushing out the door.
However dairy can can significantly reduce how much iron the body absorbs. Peter stresses that dairy is most often consumed in the morning when people have cereal, tea, coffee and other breakfast bits.
“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.”
Levothyroxine, for an underactive thyroid
Best to take first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating food and drink to reduce absorption.
Some pain relief, such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen
Known as NSAIDS, these tablets can irritate the stomach – so it’s best to take them with food or a glass of milk.
Certain ADHD medications, such as methylphenidate
Stimulant ADHD medications can cause insomnia if taken too late, so morning doses are recommended to manage symptoms during waking hours without disrupting sleep.
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