Should medicines be taken on an empty stomach?

The kind of medication you are taking will determine if it should be taken on an empty stomach or full stomach.
Medications like dipyridamol and iron tablets should be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption and to prevent the way food and certain drinks affect the way the medication works.

Medications like aspirin and other non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are adviced to be taken on a full stomach because if the stomach is empty, these drugs can destroy the mucosa lining of the stomach which can cause gastric ulcer. Allopuronol is taken after meal too, this is to prevent nausea.

Your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider will let you know when it is best for you to take your medication.