A new study published in the journal Pharmaceutics and cited by Prevention examined 103 types of tablets with a special coating designed to ensure that the medication is released later in the digestive system.
In the laboratory, researchers tested the tablets with beverages including soft drinks, apple juice, milk, tea, tap water, and mineral water.
They found that some drinks affected the tablets' protective coating more than others.
Limited guidance
The researchers also reviewed the information provided with the various medications.
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They found that the instructions rarely mention which beverages the medication should be taken with.
At the same time, the researchers emphasize that the study was conducted only in a laboratory.
More studies involving humans are therefore needed before the full significance of the findings can be be determined.
The safest choice
According to experts interviewed by Prevention, ordinary tap water or bottled water is the best choice when taking medication, unless the patient information leaflet states otherwise.
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The study found that alkaline mineral water, in particular, could cause some tablets to release their medication earlier than intended.
This could mean that the body does not absorb the medication as intended.
Based on the findings, the experts therefore recommend that medication should generally be taken with plain water.
The recommendation applies especially to delayed-release tablets while researchers await further studies.
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