A pharmacist has spoken about the importance of timing
Timing is important(Image: PA)
A pharmacist says millions of people taking long-term medications could be reducing their effectiveness simply by taking them at the wrong time of day. Peter Thnoia, superintendent pharmacist at NHS-approved online pharmacy PillTime, says juggling multiple prescriptions can be confusing, but the timing of each tablet is just as important as remembering to take it.
He’s advised that not reading the instructions properly can make medicines less effective and increase the risk of unwanted side effects. “Too often, people don’t read or fully follow the instructions that come with their medication – and that can have a real impact on how well those medicines work,” said Peter, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical sector.
“Something as simple as taking a pill at the wrong time of day, or not alongside food when it’s needed, can reduce its effectiveness or even cause unwanted side effects. Building a consistent routine and understanding the ‘when’ as well as the ‘what’ of your medication is key to getting the best results for your health.”
Statins – a common example
One of the most common types of medication taken at the wrong time is certain statins, a cholesterol-lowering drugs that help protect against heart disease. Millions of people in the UK, particularly those over 40, are prescribed statins such as simvastatin and lovastatin.
These types of statins work best in the evening because the body’s cholesterol production peaks at night. Despite this, many people take them in the morning simply out of habit, alongside other medications.
“Many people take their statins in the morning, simply because it’s when they take the rest of their medication,” Peter explained. “But for certain types, such as simvastatin, research shows they work best when taken in the evening – when the body naturally produces more cholesterol. If you take them at the wrong time, you could be reducing their effectiveness without even realising it.”
Supplements and other medications
It’s not just prescription medicines that can be affected by timing – supplements are also often taken at the wrong time, reducing their benefits. Iron tablets, for example, are often taken in the morning with breakfast or a quick cup of tea before rushing out the door. But food – particularly dairy – and drinks like tea or coffee can significantly reduce how much iron the body absorbs.
“There are plenty of people who take morning supplements like iron tablets to ‘get them through the day’ – often gulped down quickly before heading to work,” Peter said.
“But iron is actually absorbed best on an empty stomach, and things like dairy, tea or coffee can block absorption. That’s why the best advice is to take iron tablets as soon as you get up, before breakfast.”
Many people take statins(Image: PA)The importance of planning
Peter’s advice also underlines the importance of planning – particularly for people managing multiple prescriptions. Leighton Humphreys, CEO of PillTime, says the company’s pouching service can be a vital tool, taking the hassle and uncertainty out of managing medicines: “I know it’s not the most exciting task, especially if you have multiple medications that need to be taken at different times of the day or night. But the only way to get the most from your medication is to carefully follow the instructions from your pharmacist.
“If you can’t do that, whether due to lack of time or physical ability, there are options to have your medications pre-sorted into pouches. This means the pharmacist will review the instructions for each prescription and organise your medicines into clearly labelled pouches showing the dose, date and time. There’s no guesswork – just the right medication at the right time.”
Common medications people take at the wrong timeStatins, such as Simvastatin
Best taken in the evening as cholesterol production is at its highest at nice. A dose before bed can maximise effectiveness.
Iron supplements
Best on an empty stomach, ideally first thing in the morning before breakfast. Remember, dairy, tea, and coffee can block absorption.
Levothyroxine, for an underactive thyroid
Best to take first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating food and drink to reduce absorption.
Some pain relief, such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen
Known as NSAIDS, these tablets can irritate the stomach – so it’s best to take them with food or a glass of milk.
Certain ADHD medications, such as methylphenidate
Stimulant ADHD medications can cause insomnia if taken too late, so morning doses are recommended to manage symptoms during waking hours without disrupting sleep.