With or without food!

There is a difference when you're taking meds whether they should be taken on an empty stomach, or 'with food' - and as a general rule you shouldn't mix this up. I started my typhoid pills last week. Its 4 pills every other day. I took one in the morning, and then remembered the doc at the health department said something about food. Was it - 'make sure you take it with food, or you'll get sick' or 'make sure you take it on an empty stomach so it will fully absorb'. I was sure it was one of those two. The box was totally unhelpful - saying nothing on the topic. I opted for 'with food', as I think that is more typical, and generally I can reliably count on my gut feel. For some reason, later I took out the small print paper folded 20 times and in about as many languages. Amongst the fascinating reading was a notation on ensuring you take it on an empty stomach - so my streak of always being right came to an abrupt end. Called the pharmacist. He didn't have the info and suggested I call the doctor. Left a message for the health department. She called me back today and left a message needing to know more. Apparently I need to make sure I have enough space to absorb this pill to not interfere with the anti-malarial meds I'm taking. Hopefully I've got the time and can extend the prescription. I have 2 more days to figure this out. I'll be very happy when I don't have to worry about this and go back to my pill free existence.