General points to note:
Taking your medication correctly is essential for successful treatment. To avoid unwanted interactions, inform your doctor about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements. Follow the instructions below carefully to improve your health:
- Follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor
- Do not take more or less
- Take medication while standing or sitting upright with tap water; do not use fruit juice, milk, coffee, tea, or soft drinks
- Read the patient information leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure
- Avoid alcohol when taking medication
How often to take medication:
- Once daily: At the same time, ± 2 hours
- Twice daily: Every 12 hours, e.g. 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., ± 1 hour
- Three times daily: Every 8 hours, e.g. 7 a.m., 3 p.m., 11 p.m., ± ½ hour
- Four times daily: Every 6 hours
When to take medication:
- On an empty stomach: 30-60 minutes before or 2 hours after eating
- Before eating: At least 1 hour beforehand
- With food: For medications that irritate the stomach
- After eating: Timing varies; follow the specific instructions in the package leaflet
Interactions:
Medicines can affect one another. Therefore, inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you take. Foods and drinks such as coffee, milk, grapefruit juice, alcoholic beverages, and certain vegetables can also affect how medicines work.
Splitting tablets and opening capsules:
- Not all tablets can be split or capsules opened
- If you have difficulty swallowing, ask your doctor or pharmacist
Storing medication:
- Keep medication in its undamaged original packaging at room temperature, protected from light and moisture
- The kitchen and bathroom are unsuitable; use the refrigerator only if specifically instructed
Side effects:
If you suspect side effects, inform your pharmacist to help improve medication safety.