The best time

If the doctor prescribes one tablet to be swallowed "3 times a day", the medicine should always be taken at the same time in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening so that the level of active ingredient remains as constant as possible. Tablets work fastest on an empty stomach. If the package insert says "before eating", you should take the pill half an hour before, "after eating" means 30 minutes after. If the recommendation is "with food", take the medication during the meal with liquid, preferably water.

Avoid interactions

It is now relatively well known that antibiotics are not compatible with milk and dairy products because the calcium they contain makes it difficult or even impossible to absorb the active ingredients. Other foods can also be disruptive. Doctors therefore advise not to consume medication together with caffeinated drinks, citrus fruits or juices and the aforementioned dairy products. You should avoid them for at least two hours before and after swallowing the tablets.

Please do not split

Many tablets have a notch - but this is not a predetermined breaking point! Oral medicines almost always have a coating that ensures that the active ingredients are released where the body is supposed to absorb them, for example in the intestine. This must remain undamaged.

Easier to swallow

For the same reason, tablets should not be mixed with food or drink. For large or bitter pills, there are swallowing aids in the pharmacy - very smooth, sugar-free coatings that dissolve about a minute after ingestion.