Can you take allergy medicine on an empty stomach?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Can you take allergy medicine on an empty stomach?
Yes, you can take allergy medication on an empty stomach. It doesn’t change the effectiveness of the medication. However, if taking allergy medication on an empty stomach causes stomach ache or acid reflux, it’s best to take it with food.
This way the food will create a barrier and the medication will not affect the lining of your stomach. However, if you continue to feel pain in your stomach, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. It is also important to make sure that you don’t misuse these meds and only take as much as your health condition requires.
Anti-allergy medications work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released by our body during an allergic reaction. Histamine is responsible for causing symptoms like itching, sneezing, and watery eyes. These meds are not generally considered heavy on the stomach (1,2).
How to ensure the safe and effective use of anti-allergy medications?
Some important tips to ensure the safety and efficacy of allergy medications include:
Read and Follow the Instructions
Carefully read the packaging or medication leaflet for dosage instructions, frequency, and any specific guidelines. Follow these instructions exactly as directed.
Consult with a Healthcare Professional
If you have any questions or concerns about the medication, consult with a healthcare professional such as a doctor or pharmacist. They can provide guidance on the appropriate medication, dosage, and potential interactions with other medications you may be taking.
Identify Allergies and Triggers
Understand your specific allergies and triggers that cause your symptoms. This will help you choose the right medication and avoid unnecessary exposure to allergens.
Choose the Right Medication
Select an allergy medication that targets your specific symptoms, whether it’s antihistamines for sneezing and itching or nasal sprays for congestion (3). Different medications work in different ways, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
Start with a Low Dose
When starting a new medication, it’s best to start with a low dose to see your body’s response. This can help identify any potential side effects or adverse reactions.
Be Aware of Potential Side Effects
Familiarize yourself with the possible side effects of the medication you’re taking. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dry mouth, or dizziness (4). If you experience severe or persistent side effects, seek medical advice.
Avoid Medication Interactions
Inform your healthcare professional about all medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions. Certain medications can interfere with the effectiveness of allergy medication or cause unwanted side effects, especially controlled drugs like Adderall.
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References
1.-
Inagaki N, Nagai H. Drugs for the treatment of allergic diseases. Jpn J Pharmacol. 2001 Jul;86(3):275-80. doi: 10.1254/jjp.86.275. PMID: 11488426. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11488426/
2.-
Farzam K, Sabir S, O’Rourke MC. Antihistamines. 2022 Dec 27. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30844215. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538188
3.-
Randall KL, Hawkins CA. Antihistamines and allergy. Aust Prescr. 2018 Apr;41(2):41-45. doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2018.013. Epub 2018 Apr 3. PMID: 29670310; PMCID: PMC5895478. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895478/v
4.-
Milgrom H, Bender B. Adverse effects of medications for rhinitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1997 May;78(5):439-44; quiz 445-6. doi: 10.1016/S1081-1206(10)63230-9. PMID: 9164356. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9164356/
