Use of antibiotics and the night gap?

Question

I was wondering, if medications such as antibiotics are to be taken 4 times or more a day (so every 6 hours), what happens during the night with such a long gap in between (8 hours). I have heard that the impact of medication lessens if the dosage is delayed, so how come sleep through the night without medication is okay?

Answer 1

To best understand the answer to this question one should consider chronotherapy, changes in the bodies metabolism during the day versus at night and the importance quality sleep plays in the role to recovery. Great question!

Answer 2

Usually you would want the patient to take them at the time they are prescribed but taking any medication an hour earlier or later won't change the absorption or impact of the treatment. Hope this helps!