I just ended a course of antibiotics. As you probably know, there are several types of antibiotics, each prescribed for different conditions, each with their specific set of instructions and side effects.

When my doctor called to tell me that I need to take antibiotics, I was stunned. I thought I had a virus, but no, it was something much more serious. I could barely process all the questions I had. The doctor told me to start taking the antibiotic immediately, instructing me to take it with food, twice a day, and to make sure to take it for the full course.

I hustled over to the pharmacy.

When I picked up my prescription, the bottle said: "Take twice a day with food." My pharmacy (like most) provides an insert detailing more specifics about the medication. I read through it, and found it contradicted the doctor's instructions. The information said that taking the antibiotic with food reduces its effectiveness, and suggests you take it one hour before a meal or two hours after, and to take it with "plenty of water." It didn't specify a time plan for taking the medicine. I

Needless to say, I still had lots of questions. The pharmacy's information was different than what the doc had said, so naturally, I researched on the internet. I found more information, some contradictory, some the same.

So here are some of my questions:

What does it mean "to take with food?" Does it mean with a meal, with a cracker, while eating food or after eating?

When you say twice a day, should I space it out? By how many hours? Does it matter if it is morning and night?

When you say plenty of water,  does that mean a full glass of water? How many ounces exactly? Drink more after?

Now, I understand there's not a lot of room on the medicine bottle to provide specific information. That's what the insert is about. But that too wasn't helpful.

Have you -it is about language that is simple but doesn't provide enough information. I am talking about the information doctors give you, or more specifically, the information provided with your prescription.