Did you know the time of day you take a medicine can affect how well it works or even how safe it is?
This field of science is called chronomedicine and it studies how our body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) interacts with drugs.
Examples in Practice
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Blood pressure meds: Some work better when taken at night to reduce early-morning heart attack risk.
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Chemotherapy: Certain cancer drugs are more effective and less toxic when given at specific times.
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Asthma treatment: Symptoms often worsen at night, so timing inhalers can make a difference.
Why does this happen?
Our body isn’t constant throughout the day. Hormones, liver enzymes, heart rate and even immune system activity fluctuate from day to night. Medicines interact with these rhythms, which means “when” can be as important as “what”.
Chronomedicine is pushing healthcare toward personalized schedules - not just the right drug, but the right time.
Do you think in the future prescriptions will come with a clock attached—telling us not only what to take, but when to take it?
MBH/PS