Depending on the medical condition you are taking medications for, you may need to take your medication at specific times of the day, on several days of the week, or on strict intervals. For some medications, timing is not really an issue. But how do you know which medicines to take at which time? Here’s a quick guide for you.
Medicines You Can Take at Any Time
There are certain conditions that don’t require you to take medications at specific times. One example is hay fever. You can take a non-drowsy antihistamine or analgesic the moment you experience symptoms. The time of the day doesn’t matter.
However, take note that while there are medicines that can be taken as needed, you have to ensure that doses are properly spaced. This is applicable for medications like paracetamol. If you feel feverish and you take paracetamol at 7PM, your next dose should be 11PM. Interval should always be at least four hours.
What happens if the interval is less than four hours? You become at risk of a toxic dose. Don’t fret, though, as there’s a medication management app like MedManage to help you keep track of your doses.
If you’re unsure of the proper intervals, always ask your pharmacist upon purchase of the medication.
Medicines Best Taken during the Day
Diuretics, or those that eliminate extra fluid through your urine, should be taken first thing in the morning. Why? Since diuretics can make you pee, taking it close to bedtime will make you get up several times in the middle of the night just to empty your bladder.
Medicines Best Taken at Nighttime
If diuretics are best taken in the morning, sleeping pills like temazepam as well as antidepressants like amitriptyline and mirtazapine are best taken at night. As a general rule, medications that make you drowsy should ideally be taken before bedtime.
Another thing is blood pressure medicines. According to a recent study, blood pressure medication is more effective at night, which could affect how people use it to treat high blood pressure.
Prior to this study, doctors recommended that blood pressure medications such as irbesartan and perindopril be taken first thing in the morning. However, research has shown that taking these drugs at night reduces risks of heart disease, strokes, and heart failure by 45 percent. Additionally, taking these medications at night can significantly boost your kidney function.
Medicines that Must Strictly Be Taken on Specific Days
Specific prescriptions such as Methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis must be taken on the same day once a week. A mistake in dosage can be fatal, so always seek medical advice regarding medications of this type. Once you’ve consulted your doctor, use a medication management app to help you keep track of the only days you should be taking the medicine.
Conclusion
It’s important to check the instructions and dose directions carefully before taking medication. If ever you can’t understand the instructions on the medicine label, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or other medical professionals for help. The last thing you want to experience is any discomfort because you took your medicine at the wrong time.
If you’re looking for an app for a medication list, you can find that and more in MedManage. MedManage is a cloud-based medication management system for patients and caregivers. It allows common tasks like managing multiple medications and maintaining a daily medication log to be done digitally. Download now!