Is It Bad to Take Pills On an Empty Stomach?

Some medications should be taken with food while others shouldn’t. Find out which ones shouldn't be taken on an empty stomach and why they could make you even sicker.

By Avery Hurt; Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ahmad Talha Azam
Jan 10, 2024 7:00 PM
person taking medication with food
(Credit: felipe caparros/Shutterstock)

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Not all medicines are meant to be taken with food. In fact, some medicines work better if you take them on an empty stomach. It’s all rather complicated, but it’s important to get it right. 

Is It Bad to Take Pills On an Empty Stomach?

Some medications, including NSAIDs, corticosteroids, certain antibiotics, and medicines that lower blood sugar, need to be taken with food for various reasons.

NSAIDs

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