Take right doses of pills at right time

How to take medicines, especially if you are a chronically ill patient and fasting, during Ramadhan? According to the Ministry of Health awareness campaign under #Sustainable_Leading_Health_For_All, one must strictly follow his/ her doctor's guidelines.
Some patients require counselling and advice on how to manage their medications during the month of fasting. However, if fasting significantly affects the health of the individual or when one is sick, Islam exempts him or her from fasting.
During this month, eating habits and sleep schedules change for many members of society, making it necessary to reorganise medication routines in a way that ensures continued effectiveness and patient safety.
In this context, pharmacist Nawal al Alawi emphasised in the post the importance of adhering to medical guidelines throughout the month, affirming that fasting does not conflict with treatment if doses are properly organised according to professional recommendations and tailored to each patient’s health condition.
Al Alawi explained that certain medical conditions require special attention when adjusting medication timings. She noted that heart patients and those taking blood thinners must take their medications at the same time every day to maintain stable drug levels in the bloodstream and ensure effectiveness. Any disruption in timing may affect treatment efficiency and expose patients to unwanted complications.
Regarding diabetes patients, she stated that most oral medications, such as metformin, can be taken with or immediately after Iftar to reduce the likelihood of stomach discomfort and ensure optimal therapeutic response. Rapid-acting insulin, however, is recommended to be taken a few minutes before the Iftar meal to check for spikes in blood sugar. She stressed that insulin or tablet doses may need adjustment based on the treating physician’s evaluation, particularly if meal patterns or fasting duration change.
She said diuretics used to treat high blood pressure, such as furosemide and Hydrochlorothiazide, are best taken some time after Iftar to avoid dehydration during fasting hours, especially in hot weather and with fluid loss, which may negatively affect the body’s balance.
As for levothyroxine, used to treat hypothyroidism, Al Alawi explained that it is best taken one hour before Suhoor or three to four hours after Iftar on an empty stomach to ensure optimal absorption and prevent interference from food or drinks.
With regard to epilepsy and antidepressant medications, she stressed the need for strict adherence without interruption or modification unless medically advised, to prevent seizures or health relapses. She also warned that some antidepressants may cause dehydration, making it important to drink sufficient amounts of water between Iftar and Suhoor to maintain proper fluid balance.
Al Alawi concluded by emphasising that safe and healthy fasting begins with strict adherence to medication schedules and avoiding any changes in dosage or timing without consulting a doctor. Each case has its own considerations, and proper medication management during Ramadhan is the true guarantee of maintaining therapeutic benefits without compromising the health of those who fast.
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1. If fasting significantly affects the health of the individual or when one is sick, Islam exempts him or her from fasting.
2. Fasting does not conflict with treatment if doses are properly organised according to doctor's recommendations.
3. Heart patients and those taking blood thinners must take their medications at the same time every day to maintain stable drug levels in the bloodstream.
4. Rapid-acting insulin, however, is recommended to be taken a few minutes before the Iftar meal to check for spikes in blood sugar.
5. Diuretics used to treat high blood pressure, such as furosemide and Hydrochlorothiazide, are best taken some time after Iftar to avoid dehydration during fasting.
6. Some antidepressants may cause dehydration, making it important to drink sufficient amounts of water between Iftar and Suhoor.