If your doctor specifies taking your medicine with or after food, it is important that you follow these instructions.
Some medicines such as certain anti-inflammatories should be taken with, or after, food to avoid the possibility of stomach upsets.
If you are advised to take your medicine on an empty stomach (as is commonly the case with antibiotics), it is probably because the medicine will be absorbed more quickly if the stomach is empty.
Don’t chew, crush or break tablets or capsules unless your doctor has told you to do so.
Some medicines have a special coating and will not work properly unless they are swallowed whole. If you are unable to take tablets or capsules ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is an alternative which might be more suitable for you.
Don’t stop taking your medicine Don't stop taking your medicine or adjust the dose or change how often you take it without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist.Complete the course of your prescribed medicine.Many medicines need to be stopped slowly, with regular checks from a doctor to ensure there are no health problems.
Furthermore, you should not stop taking your medicine even if you feel better, as your doctor may have prescribed it to prevent recurrences of your condition, e.g. migraine and asthma medicines.
If you experience any side-effects or the medicine doesn't seem to be working as it should, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. He or she may be able to prescribe/recommend a different but equally effective medicine.
