The time to take your antibiotics and whether you take them before or after food will depend on the type of antibiotic you are taking. Antibiotics that are taken at the incorrect time increase a patient’s risk of suffering from nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. Taking them incorrectly can also increase your chance of developing antibiotic resistance.
In some instances, taking antibiotics with food may help to reduce stomach issues. These include antibiotics such as amoxicillin and doxycycline. Nevertheless, this approach won’t work for all antibiotic treatments. Some antibiotics, such as tetracycline or flucloxacillin, should be taken on an empty stomach.
- BEFORE food: Penicillin, Flucloxacillin
- AFTER food: Metronidazole, Trimethoprim, Doxycycline, Nitrofurantoin
- EITHER before or after food: Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin
It is also important to remember that certain foods may interact with particular antibiotics. You might have to avoid specific foods during your treatment and for some time after.
Some antibiotics are supposed to be taken at the same time each day. Others must be taken at set times so that the effect is spread out evenly over the course of the day. Always seek advice from your pharmacist if you are unsure of when to take your antibiotics or how to take them.