Statins deal a strong blow against high cholesterol, but scheduling their administration correctly is essential to optimise their effect.
A prominent pharmacist has cautioned that countless UK residents are undermining their medication's potency through improper timing of doses.
Peter Thnoia, from the digital pharmacy PillTime, stated: "Too often, people don't read or fully follow the instructions that come with the medication and that can have a real impact on how well it works."
Seemingly minor errors, such as consuming tablets at inappropriate times or failing to coordinate them with meals when required, may diminish their therapeutic benefits or trigger adverse reactions, he explained.
| GETTY
The pharmacist also stressed that establishing regular habits and comprehending precise administration guidelines are essential for optimal outcomes.
Five categories of medication frequently suffer from timing errors amongst British patients: cholesterol-lowering statins, iron supplements, thyroid hormone replacements, common pain relievers and certain ADHD pharmaceuticals.
Mr Thnoia explained that "something as simple as taking a pill at the wrong time of day or not alongside food when it's needed can reduce its effectiveness or even cause unwanted side effects".
The pharmacist noted that numerous patients consume their statins during morning hours alongside other medications, despite these drugs functioning more effectively when administered during evening hours.
Similar scheduling errors occur with iron tablets, thyroid treatments, anti-inflammatory painkillers and stimulant ADHD medications.
Cholesterol-reducing statins function optimally during nighttime administration, as the body's cholesterol synthesis peaks while sleeping, according to Mr Thnoia.
Iron supplements require consumption before breakfast on an empty stomach, as beverages containing caffeine and dairy products inhibit the body's absorption capacity.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
'Medicines are only truly effective when they are taken correctly'
|GETTY
Thyroid hormone replacements similarly demand morning administration, waiting half an hour before consuming food or beverages to ensure proper absorption, while avoiding concurrent calcium or iron supplementation.
Anti-inflammatory analgesics, including ibuprofen, require consumption alongside meals or milk to prevent gastric irritation.
ADHD stimulant medications require morning administration to prevent sleep disturbances, the pharmacist cautioned.
Mr Thnoia explained: "These small changes can make a big difference. Medicines are only truly effective when they are taken correctly."