How to Properly Time Your Medication Application?

Q: How to Properly Time Your Medication Application?

Hello： The ointment can be applied approximately every 12 hours. <br>It is recommended to focus on the evening application, ideally after taking a shower, to avoid washing off the medication. <br>After that, you can apply the morning dose about 12 hours later.

How is the medication timing calculated?

Recently, I have been applying a dermatological ointment that indicates to use it once in the morning and once at night.
Does "morning" and "night" refer to the time right after waking up and just before going to bed? Sometimes, due to work commitments, I go to bed quite late, resulting in only a four to five-hour interval between applications, while the next application is more than ten hours later.
Would it be acceptable to apply it at around 7 or 8 AM and then again at 7 or 8 PM, which would provide approximately a twelve-hour interval? What exactly is considered "morning" and "night"? Thank you.

A Du, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/12/15

Dr. Chen Yuemei reply Pharmacology

Hello: The ointment can be applied approximately every 12 hours.
It is recommended to focus on the evening application, ideally after taking a shower, to avoid washing off the medication.
After that, you can apply the morning dose about 12 hours later.

Reply Date: 2017/12/15

More Info

When it comes to properly timing your medication application, especially for topical treatments like creams or ointments prescribed by a dermatologist, it is essential to adhere to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. The terms "morning" and "evening" typically refer to the times when you wake up and when you go to bed, respectively. However, the specific hours can vary based on individual routines and schedules.

In your case, applying the medication in the morning after you wake up and in the evening before you go to bed is generally the recommended approach. This timing allows for consistent application and helps maintain therapeutic levels of the medication in the affected area. However, if your work schedule causes you to go to bed later than usual, it is understandable that you might find yourself applying the medication closer together than intended.

The key to effective medication application is ensuring that there is a reasonable interval between doses. Ideally, the application should be spaced out to allow the skin to absorb the medication effectively. A common recommendation is to apply the medication every 12 hours, which aligns with your suggestion of applying it around 7-8 AM and 7-8 PM. This schedule would provide a consistent routine and help you avoid the issue of applying the medication too close together.

If you find that your work schedule consistently interferes with the recommended application times, it may be beneficial to discuss this with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can provide personalized advice and may suggest alternative dosing schedules that fit better with your lifestyle while still ensuring the medication's effectiveness.
Additionally, it is important to consider the specific medication you are using, as some topical treatments may have different absorption rates or durations of action. For instance, some medications may be designed to work best when applied at specific times of the day, while others may be more flexible. Always refer to the instructions provided with your medication or consult your healthcare provider for clarification.

In summary, while "morning" and "evening" typically refer to the times you wake up and go to bed, you can adjust your application times to better fit your schedule as long as you maintain a reasonable interval between applications. Aim for approximately 12 hours apart, and if you have any concerns or questions about your specific medication, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. Proper timing and adherence to your medication regimen are crucial for achieving the best possible outcomes in your treatment.

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