Dear Dr. SerVaas: My husband refuses to eat until two hours after he takes his medications. He is on Neurontin for restless legs syndrome and on Tenormin, Accupril, and hydrochlorothiazide for high blood pressure.
I have heard from friends that it shouldn't be necessary for us to wait for two hours after he takes his medication to eat dinner. Could you tell us what you believe is right?
Cornelia Roorda
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dear Reader: This is an excellent question, because some medications do not get absorbed well if they are taken too soon before or after eating a meal. However, I consulted with pharmacists and cardiologists who assure me that none of the medications that your husband takes is affected by food. Therefore, he need not wait for the two hours to pass before eating.
If you have any questions about other medications that you take that may be affected by food, your pharmacist is a good first reference. Pharmacists have access to the most recent information about medications they dispense.
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