Expert: Mary E Scott, RPh, CGP - 1/26/2007

Question
I am supposed to take this pres. 1/2 hour before eating.  Can it be taken at other times?  How long after eating? at bedtime?

Answer
Hi,Betsy,
It depends on the medication. What is the name of the medication? Some meds such as bisphosphonates (Actonel,Fosamax,Boniva) have to be taken 30min before the first food, drink,or medication of the day because of the risk of irritation of the esophagus.  Other medication has to be taken before food because minerals in the food can render the drug ineffective.  Tetracycline in the presence of calcium and other minerals is ineffective when taken together. It all depends on the particular medication, so in order to give you a more accurate answer, I would need to know the medication name.  Mary