Antibiotics are medicines prescribed by a physician. They work either by killing bacteria or by inhibiting them from reproducing. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions when taking your antibiotics because doing so incorrectly may actually cause the bacteria to become resistant. Most antibiotics must be taken at set intervals, so washing them down with your morning or evening coffee or tea makes sense. Coffee and antibiotics might upset your stomach, so drinking less-acidic decaf might be best.
Step 1
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any kinds of beverages you might drink hot that would interact with your antibiotics. For example, milk can interfere with the absorption of antibiotics.
Step 2
Read the label on your prescription bottle to find the correct dosage and timing and calculate the times of day you are most likely to have access to hot beverages.
Step 3
Cool your hot beverage to just above lukewarm so that you do not burn your mouth or throat.
Step 4
Place your antibiotic on your tongue. Take a large sip of your hot beverage and allow the swallowing motion to wash the pill down your throat.
Tips and Warnings
- Set a watch or other electronic device with an alarm to remind you when to take your antibiotics.
- Never stop taking antibiotics before they are all gone no matter how much better you feel.
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