Medications can be more effective when they are applied in a timely manner.
The medications used in different treatments can have positive results, considering the moment in which they are ingested. That is why its application plays a vital role in the success or failure of a treatment.
Advances in drug development have made it possible for doctors to cure many diseases and therefore save many lives.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the proper use of medication implies that the patient receives each medication for the specific indication, that is, in the correct dose, during the established time and at the lowest possible cost for the patient and for society.
Recommendations:
- Take medication neither at the beginning nor at the end of a meal.
- Eat between half an hour and an hour before and between an hour and an hour and a half after, always with well-cooked food.
- Interactions with food could explain many unexpected effects of medication.
- Recipes should recommend the most appropriate type of food for each drug.
- Some medications have a reduced effect when taken with milk or tea.
- Smokers, vegetarians, and people on high-fat diets often need different doses of some medications.
- Medications should not be crushed, chewed, broken up, or dissolved unless they are in a pharmaceutical form that allows this.
- Read the instructions on the medication.
- Use the correct amount or dose that corresponds to you.
- Make sure the medication is appropriate for your age.
- Do not use too much medication.
- Tell your doctor about your use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, and if any medication causes you side effects.
- Take medications on time.
- Medications should always be taken with a large glass of water.
- And if you have to take more than one medication, they should be taken separately to avoid interactions and to obtain the best results from each one.
- Skipping doses is not wise, and do not stop taking your medications.
- Keep all medications in a safe place. • Check the “expiration” or “use by” dates on all medications.
- Keep all medications in their original containers.
- Use weekly pill organizers to keep track of what you need to take each day.
Ultimately, taking your medication at the right time is an important part of effective treatment. By following your doctor’s instructions you can maximize the benefit of your medication and minimize the risk of side effects.
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