February 26, 2005

What constitutes 'a meal'?

I've often wondered this on those nights, like tonight, when I have to get up to take a pill in the middle of the night. Tonight it's for back pain, so I've just taken a Voltaren. But the prescription says to take after a meal.

So is whole bread, peanut butter, and milk with a little horlicks a meal? I hope so.

I really have to check out this pain though. Must remember to make the appointment on Monday. Taking medicine makes you fat, unless you can take it on an empty stomach.

Posted by yamfoot at February 26, 2005 03:08 AM
Comments

In the case of Voltaren (and other Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs...NSAIDs)....the 'meal' essentially means to have something in the stomach to line it. Why? One of their common side effects is gastric irritaion or even peptic ulcer disease. This side effect is much less likely to occur if you have some food in the belly. It does not have to be a plate of stew peas or oxtail and beans! ;-)

Yes, get the pain checked out, I think I have read about it here before if I'm not mistaken.

Posted by: Dr. D. at February 26, 2005 03:08 PM

Take the Doc at his word. Those pain killers will mess you up if you take them without eating...

Posted by: Mad Bull at February 27, 2005 03:49 PM