Meals and medicines

Abstract

Food and its constituents may have a significant effect on both the rate and extent of absorption of drugs after oral administration. Understanding the effect of meals on medicines enables health professionals to advise patients about taking medicines with or without food. Co-administration of drugs with food generally delays drug absorption. However, meals may have a variable effect on the extent of absorption - depending on the characteristics of the meal, the drug and its formulation. Some drugs have strict guidelines about when they should be taken in relation to meals. Generally, patients should be advised to take their medicines consistently at the same time with respect to meals.