How to take medications properly: 6 questions, answered
5 minute read | Published February 28, 2025
Medically Reviewed | Last reviewed by Stacy Diao on February 28, 2025
A lot of people don’t think twice when the pharmacist at the drugstore asks them if they have any questions or need counseling about how to take their medications. They smile, shake their heads, pay for their prescriptions, and go.
But retail pharmacists can be very valuable resources, especially when you’re confused about how to take a particular medication.
For instance, did you know that “take every 12 hours” can mean something different from “take twice daily?” And, what’s the deal with having to avoid grapefruit, anyway?
Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more.
Do all medications have to be taken on a set schedule?
The short answer is no. Loperamide, for instance, a common anti-diarrheal medication, can be taken “as needed,” up to a certain maximum daily dose. You don’t necessarily have to wait a specified number of hours between doses, either. And, once your diarrhea resolves, the drug can be stopped until it’s needed again.
On the other hand, many medications should be taken more consistently. Some of these are called “scheduled” medications. But even some “as needed” medications require a certain time interval to elapse between doses.
Examples of medications that should be taken on a consistent schedule include:
- Antibiotics
- Pain medications
- Anti-nausea medications
There are a variety of reasons why, but it often boils down to two things: safety and effectiveness.
You don’t want to take doses of these medications too closely together, because that could lead to a higher risk of side effects. You also don’t want to skip any doses or take doses too far apart, because that could lead to the drug becoming less effective or ineffective.
What’s the difference between ‘take every 12 hours’ and ‘take twice daily?'
“Take every 12 hours” and “take twice daily” don’t always mean the same thing, so these terms should not be used interchangeably.
Why not? Say you’re prescribed an antibiotic and told to take it twice daily. You take the first dose when you get up at 9 a.m. Then, you take the second dose at noon during your lunch break.
Technically, you’ve followed the instructions. But because you took the two doses so closely together, the drug’s concentration in your blood will likely spike sharply for a few hours, then drop below the effective range for the rest of the day. This means the antibiotic probably won’t be as effective at treating the infection. That’s why it’s always best to clarify exactly how to take a medication before you actually take it.
“Take twice daily” leaves the door open for interpretation. So, it’s important to ask your care team for clarification. Does this mean you should take the doses about 12 hours apart, or is it OK if you take them more closely together or even further apart?
“Take every 12 hours” is clearer, but requires more precision. These medications should be taken as close to 12 hours apart as possible. That could be at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., or on whatever 12-hour schedule works best for you.
Is it ever OK to crush pills?
Some medications can be crushed or broken apart. Others can be made into a slurry or even compounded in various forms for easier ingestion. However, it’s generally best to take medications in their original form. That means:
- If it’s a tablet, don’t crush it.
- If it’s a capsule, don’t open it.
- If it’s a liquid, don’t freeze it.
This guideline is even more important for medications considered “extended release,” “controlled release,” or “delayed release.” These medications are specially formulated to deliver a calculated amount of drug over a specific period of time. If you crush a tablet or open a capsule, you may unintentionally release all the medication at once, which could lead to more side effects, organ damage, and possibly even death.
If you have trouble swallowing or use a feeding tube, reach out to your care team to see if alternative forms of medication are available.
What do ‘take with food’ and ‘take without food’ really mean?
Some drugs are better absorbed or tolerated if you have food in your stomach. For other drugs, the opposite may be true. If you’re not sure whether a medication should be taken with or without food, ask your care team or retail pharmacist.
If a medication can be taken either way, the most important thing to remember is to be consistent. If you want to take that medication on an empty stomach every night, for instance, that’s fine. If you’d rather take it in the morning with breakfast, that’s equally acceptable. But once you’ve made the decision, stick to it.
Why should some drugs not be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice?
The body metabolizes many different drugs using an enzyme called CYP3A4. Certain foods, such as grapefruit and Seville oranges, can interfere with this enzyme and how your body absorbs and metabolizes those drugs.
They do this by blocking the action of CYP3A4, which can slow the rate at which your body gets rid of a particular drug. If a drug stays in your body for too long, it can potentially lead to more side effects.
What’s the best time to take a ‘once daily’ medication?
The answer to this question really depends on the drug. Usually, you can choose what time you want to take it, as long as you’re consistent.
However, it’s always a good idea to double check with your care team to see if they have any recommendations. One good example is olanzapine, which is prescribed to reduce nausea and boost appetite in cancer patients. It can also cause drowsiness, so we recommend taking it around bedtime.
Generally speaking, if you’re told to take a medication once daily, it’s best to choose a time that works well for you and be consistent. If you choose to take your medication first thing in the morning, try to take it first thing every morning. Consistency really is the most important factor.
If you have any questions, ask your care team or retail pharmacist for clarification.
Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-833-559-2966.
