Taking medicine after a meal refers to how long after the meal?

Mar 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, taking medication after a meal in medical and pharmaceutical practice usually refers to taking the medicine within a certain period of time after finishing a meal. This time interval is not fixed, but generally means taking the medication 15 to 30 minutes after the meal. If a patient experiences any discomfort or has questions when taking medication after eating, they should consult a doctor or pharmacist promptly.

In general, taking medication after a meal in medical and pharmaceutical terms usually refers to taking the medication within a certain period after finishing a meal. This time interval is not fixed, but typically means taking the medication 15-30 minutes after finishing the meal. A detailed explanation is as follows:

Administering medication 15-30 minutes after finishing a meal helps ensure that drug absorption in the stomach is not affected by either excessive or insufficient food content. Secondly, some medications, especially those that may irritate the gastric mucosa, such as aspirin tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and dexamethasone tablets, can cause reduced gastric irritation and lower the risk of gastric discomfort when taken after a meal.

If a patient experiences any discomfort or has questions when taking medication after a meal, they should promptly consult a physician or pharmacist. The physician can provide more detailed and personalized advice based on the patient's specific condition and medication characteristics.