Get around the schedule for taking medication during Ramadan fasting: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is mandatory for Muslims. However, there is something that must be considered for those who need to take medication regularly. Routine taking these drugs can be tricked in order to keep fasting calmly.

Here are some things that must be considered for people who need to take regular medication if they want to keep fast.

Get around the schedule for taking medication while fasting

During fasting, the time we take our medicine changes from 24 hours to approximately 10 hours. Adjustment of the time to use the drug is needed so that the therapeutic effect of the medication remains optimal.

Divide the schedule for taking medication between breaking fast and sahur

• For the drug with a dose once a day, drink it at breaking the fast or at dawn.
• For medicine with a dose of twice a day, drink it once during breaking the fast and once at dawn.
• For drugs with a dose of three to four times a day, take each drug by dividing the duration of time between breaking the fast and sahur equally.

For more details regarding taking the drug three to four times a day, the Pharmacy team at the Kariadi General Hospital Doctor's Center, Semarang shares their tips in the following ways:

• For those who have to use the medicine three times a day: the first is immediately at the time of breaking the fast, which is around 18.00, the second is taken at 23.00, and the third is at dawn, which is 4.00.
• For those who have to use the medicine four times a day: the first is immediately at the time of breaking the fast, which is around 18.00, the second is taken at 22.00, the third at 01.00, and the fourth is at dawn, which is around 04.00.

Use of drugs before and after meals during fasting

If there are rules for taking medicine before eating, take the medicine 30 minutes before eating sahur and / or before eating heavy meals when breaking the fast.

Meanwhile, using the drug after eating means that you have to take the drug when your stomach is filled with food. You can take the medicine about 5-10 minutes after eating.

Make sure the timing of your medication is in accordance with the mealtime rules. Do not let it because it has been a day of fasting that you break the fast with a heavy meal and forget that there is a medicine that must be taken before eating.

Not all drug use invalidates fasting

Taking medication during the day can invalidate fasting, but it turns out that not all drug use invalidates fasting. There are types of drugs that can be used during the day while fasting.

The list of types of drug use that does not break the fast is obtained from the agreement of medical and religious experts. The agreement was drawn up after a large discussion at a religious medical seminar in 1997 entitled"An Islamic view of certain contemporary medical issues" held in Morocco.

The following is a list of types of drug use that do not break fasting:

1. eye drops
2. all substances that are absorbed into the body through the skin, such as creams, ointments, and medicated patches
3. injections through the skin, muscles, joints, or blood vessels (except intravenous feeding or commonly known as infusion)
4. oxygen support, anesthesia aid or a pain relief procedure
5. a nitroglycerin tablet or medication that is placed under the tongue for the treatment of sitting wind
6. mouthwash or oral spray, provided nothing is swallowed.
7. nose drops or nasal spray
8. inhaler

Consult health conditions and the rules for taking medication related to fasting

Those of you who are obliged to take regular medication and wish to fast should consult your doctor first.

This is to find out the recommended medication schedule, body strength for fasting, or other matters concerning your illness and medication.

The doctor will review your health condition and decide whether the patient can fast or not. You will be notified of the potential risks that may affect your health if you fast.

You should also ask about the effectiveness and safety of taking medication while fasting. This is to anticipate changes in the schedule for taking medication after the fasting month to return to a normal schedule of taking medication.