Why must some medicines be taken with or after food?


1. To reduce side effects of nausea or vomiting


2. To reduce side effects of stomach irritation, including indigestion, stomach inflammation or ulcers

Some medicines can irritate the stomach, and taking them with food will reduce this effect. Foods such as biscuits or a sandwich, or a glass of milk, is usually enough. Examples include:

3. To treat problems such as heartburn, reflux or indigestion


4. To ensure the medicine is not washed away

Preparations such as mouthwashes, liquid nystatin and miconazole gel for oral thrush or mouth ulcers must be used after meals. This is because eating food washes the medicine away too quickly.

5. To ensure the medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream properly

Some medications require food in the stomach and gut for the body to absorb them properly, such as the HIV medicines ritonavir, saquinavir and nelfinavir.

6. To help the body process the meal



Information about your medicine


Further information:

Page last reviewed: 05/05/2015

Next review due: 15/05/2018