This post was written by Sydney Pelnick, PharmD, Parkview Health.
When taking medicine for a headache or any other ailment, how often do you stop and think about your body’s position? We usually associate our posture with comfort or alertness; however, it can also significantly affect how quickly our bodies absorb medicine.
Posture
Most medications start working once they pass through the stomach and the body absorbs them through the intestines. Therefore, the closer a pill lands to the lowest part of the stomach, the faster it will dissolve and empty into the first part of the small intestine.
Pills taken while lying on the left side will land in the upper part of the stomach, potentially delaying absorption by up to an hour due to gravity and the stomach's natural asymmetry. In contrast, tablets are absorbed more quickly when lying on the right side, which allows them to reach the lowest part of the stomach. Taking pills while standing up is the second fastest option. Your body absorbs medication taken this way slightly slower than when lying on the right side.
Regardless of your posture, oral medications such as pills, capsules and liquids will all eventually be absorbed in those with functioning stomachs and intestines. However, being aware of your body position when taking a pill can make some medications feel more effective.
For example, if someone is in pain and chooses to take a pain-reliever pill, they may feel relief more quickly if they remain standing or lie on their right side afterward. For elderly, sedentary or bedridden people, turning onto their right side after swallowing a pill can have a significant impact on symptom control.
Posture is also essential to consider when taking certain medications to help prevent potential side effects. Some prescriptions and supplements can cause irritation or ulcers in the esophagus and stomach, including:
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Bisphosphonates (alendronate) for treating bone density loss
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Some antibiotics (doxycycline, clindamycin)
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen)
To avoid this uncomfortable side effect, remain seated or standing for at least 30 minutes after ingesting these medications.
Timing
For once-daily prescriptions, it may be helpful to take them in the morning, upon waking. For other daily medications, the time you take them may impact how well they work:
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Short-acting statins, such as simvastatin, pravastatin and fluvastatin, are most effective when taken at night because the liver produces the most cholesterol while we sleep.
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Lovastatin is also a short-acting statin but works best when taken with an evening meal, since its absorption is increased by food.
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Longer-acting statins, such as atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and pitavastatin, can be taken at any time of day.
You can also adjust the time you take your medication to avoid unwanted side effects. For example, people who are prescribed a diuretic, also known as water tablets, may choose to take their dose in the morning. These medications help the body get rid of excess water, which can increase the frequency of urination. It is best to take these in the morning so that sleep is not disturbed.
Similarly, medications that make you feel sleepy can be taken at night to help prevent daytime drowsiness. This includes some antidepressants, such as mirtazapine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine and amitriptyline.
Final thoughts
It is always important to read the label and follow your primary care provider's or pharmacist's instructions when taking a medication. If there are no instructions on when to take your medicine, choose a time that is convenient and easy to remember. Some people find it helpful to ‘habit stack’ where you take medicine at the same time as something you consistently do, such as having breakfast or brushing your teeth.
If you take many different pills, it can also be helpful to have a weekly pill box located in an accessible place, like beside the bed or in the kitchen. If you have questions about the best time of day to take your daily medications, your pharmacist or doctor would be happy to help!
Parkview Outpatient Pharmacies and Specialty Pharmacy provide a wide range of prescription medications and individualized support for those with chronic and complex conditions. At select locations, we offer customized medication solutions, including compounding and flavoring, making it easier for patients to take their prescribed treatments.
For more information on pharmacy services, contact or visit a location near you.
