From colds and fevers to life-threatening situations, it can be said that every time we have to rely on the power of "medicine" to overcome them. But taking medicine is not that simple? I dare say, you don't know how to take these!

1. Should antibiotics be taken before or after meals?

Generally, oral antibiotics are recommended to be taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals), as this can help the efficacy reach its peak faster, meaning it can take effect more quickly. However, if there is gastrointestinal dysfunction or feeling nauseous or vomiting after taking medication on an empty stomach, it is best to take it after meals.

Is intravenous infusion necessarily better than oral medication?

Of course not. Although it is stated in books that intravenous infusion has a higher utilization of drugs than oral medication, when choosing the method of administration, it is important to adhere to the principle of avoiding intramuscular injection if possible and avoiding intravenous drip if possible. Because infusion may cause local irritation or even infusion reactions, it is better to take medication on time.

3. Stop taking medication immediately after symptoms disappear?

Absolutely not allowed. Chronic disease medications such as antihypertensive drugs, hypoglycemic drugs, and lipid-lowering drugs usually require lifelong medication; Cold medicine can be persisted for 1-2 days after the symptoms disappear to consolidate the treatment effect; More importantly, if some drugs (such as hormone drugs) are stopped immediately, a "rebound phenomenon" may occur, which can cause the original symptoms to recur and worsen. When seeking medical attention, it is important to clarify how to take medication~

What does' sustained-release tablets' mean?

As the name suggests, sustained-release tablets are designed to slow down the release rate and prolong the efficacy of drugs by "modifying" them, in order to reduce the frequency of medication use for patients. Extended release tablets should not be broken open or chewed, as this is equivalent to "destroying" the drug, which will accelerate the release rate of the drug and even cause some adverse reactions.

Can capsules be swallowed dry?

Many people are lazy and swallow capsules, which is absolutely unacceptable! Not only does it affect drug efficacy, but it can also cause significant harm to the body. Capsules will stick to the esophageal wall when they come into contact with saliva, causing the medication to melt on the esophagus and causing significant irritation to the local area, resulting in mucosal damage. The correct way to take it is to take a sip of warm water first, and then take the capsule with an appropriate amount of warm water.