A BBC doctor has issued a stark warning to anyone taking common medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, metformin, and lithium, emphasising that the timing of doses relative to food is critical for safety and effectiveness.
Dangers of Taking Medications on an Empty Stomach
Appearing on BBC Morning Live, Dr Kasim Ahmed explained that certain drugs can cause severe stomach problems if not taken correctly. He highlighted that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen are notorious for increasing gastric acid production, potentially leading to stomach ulcers, which can be 'really, really dangerous'.
Host Gethin Jones asked: 'What are the medications that shouldn't be taken on an empty stomach then to start with?' Dr Ahmed responded: 'So these are big ones that you need to make sure you've had something to eat beforehand. The biggest ones are things like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. So those are things like ibuprofen, naproxen, which are notorious for causing issues with gastric acid, potentially causing stomach ulcers, which can be really, really dangerous.'
He added that steroids and aspirin work similarly, increasing acid production in the stomach.
Diabetes Medications and Food
Dr Ahmed also warned about diabetic medications, particularly metformin, the most common diabetes drug. He explained that taking metformin on an empty stomach can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting. 'So you want to make sure you've had something to eat at the same time,' he advised.
For diabetic medications, there is a dual reason: some lower blood sugar, so eating helps maintain glucose levels, while others like metformin cause stomach issues without food.
Medications That Require an Empty Stomach
Conversely, some medications must be taken on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption. Dr Ahmed stressed: 'These are really important because the number of people I see on huge whacking doses of some of these medications because they're taking them with food, so that they're not being absorbed properly is really apparent.'
He singled out levothyroxine, a thyroid replacement medication for autoimmune thyroid conditions, as a key example. 'That needs to be taken on an empty stomach,' he said, explaining that the drug is absorbed quickly in the stomach but can mix with food and pass through without being absorbed.
Advice for Fasting Periods
Regarding religious fasting events like Ramadan and Lent, Dr Ahmed advised people to snack on appropriate foods such as nuts, salads, and smaller meals. He recommended: 'Going back to Ramadan, having a think about when you're taking your medications for that's really important. So, if it's an empty stomach medication, take it first thing with the pre-dawn meal or on a full stomach if you can take something either after the pre-dawn meal or after you've broken your fast in the evening. But the big thing here is really having a chat to your medical professionals.'
Dr Ahmed's warnings underscore the importance of following prescription instructions and consulting healthcare providers to avoid serious health risks.
