The sequence of taking your medication and food can be important in some cases. Why? Introducing to you a big word called 'bioavailability'.
Bioavailability refers to the amount of the medication available in your blood after taking it. The bioavailability is what the eventual amount of medication that is going to the target organ and exert its action, thereby relieving your discomforts or treating a disease you have. Food can reduce the bioavailability of certain medications, which lead to reduced effectiveness of the medication.
Therefore, it's crucial to get the sequence right. You are always encouraged to ask the pharmacist on whether to take your medication before or after food.
Here are some infographics that you may find useful!
Information source: myhealth.gov.my/en/medicines-before-after-food/
Cover image credit: medshadow.org
