Every morning I take calcium, vitamins, a baby aspirin and medication to manage my cholesterol. (Most cholesterol meds should not be taken with citrus juice.) The potassium I take to ward off the side effects of the cholesterol pills should be taken with food. The over the counter naproxin that eases my arthritis symptoms cannot be taken too soon after the aspirin. The non-drowsy Loratadine I swallow occasionally to clear my sinuses needs to be taken early in the day, lest I remain ‘non-drowsy’ half the night. Over time, I have established a routine for working all these pills into my daily life.
This week, to complicate matters, I needed to take a round of antibiotic (twice a day). When I read the slip of paper that came with the perscription, I found that the pill could not be taken with milk, nor “within six hours before or two hours after taking calcium,” and it would be better to avoid diary products all together. Also, I must not take an antacid within one hour before or after the antibiotic. Oh yes, drink plenty of water.
I figured if I took my usual round at 7:00 a.m., I could take the antibiotic at 1:00 p.m. and again at 8:00 p.m., foregoing my usual bowl of cereal at bedtime. Loradatine at 9:00 if needed and potassium with lunch. And be careful what I eat for lunch because I can’t take an antacid.
And did you notice that none of these pill are life-saving? Because I’m in great health. I have to be. I can’t work any more pills into my schedule.