Medications
Learn how to take medications safely and effectively
Understanding Your Medications
Medications can help treat illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and prevent health problems. Taking them correctly is important for your safety and to make sure they work properly. Always ask questions if you don't understand something about your medications.
Types of Medications
- Prescription medications (need a doctor's order)
- Over-the-counter medications (can buy without prescription)
- Vitamins and supplements
- Herbal remedies
Taking Medications Safely
- • Take the right amount at the right time
- • Don't skip doses
- • Don't take extra doses
- • Finish the full course of antibiotics
- • Store in a cool, dry place
- • Keep in original containers
- • Check expiration dates
- • Keep away from children and pets
- • Know the name and purpose
- • Understand possible side effects
- • Know what to avoid (food, other drugs)
- • Keep an updated medication list
Common Over-the-Counter Medications
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Good for: Pain and fever
Be careful: Don't exceed daily limit; avoid with liver problems
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Good for: Pain, fever, inflammation
Be careful: Take with food; avoid with stomach problems
Antihistamines (Benadryl, Claritin)
Good for: Allergies, runny nose, itching
Be careful: May cause drowsiness
Decongestants (Sudafed)
Good for: Stuffy nose
Be careful: Can raise blood pressure
Medication Safety Tips
- • Read all labels and instructions
- • Tell your doctor about all medications you take
- • Ask questions if you don't understand
- • Use a pill organizer if helpful
- • Set reminders to take medications
- • Bring medications to doctor visits
- • Share medications with others
- • Take expired medications
- • Mix medications with alcohol
- • Stop taking medications suddenly
- • Take more than the recommended dose
- • Store medications in the bathroom
Understanding Side Effects
Side effects are unwanted effects that can happen when you take medications. Not everyone gets side effects, and they can range from mild to serious.
- • Upset stomach
- • Drowsiness
- • Dizziness
- • Dry mouth
- • Headache
- • Skin rash
These often go away as your body gets used to the medication.
- • Difficulty breathing
- • Severe allergic reactions
- • Chest pain
- • Severe dizziness or fainting
- • Unusual bleeding or bruising
- • Signs of liver problems (yellow skin/eyes)
Stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist
About the Medication:
- • What is this medication for?
- • How and when should I take it?
- • How long will I need to take it?
- • What should I do if I miss a dose?
- • Can I take it with my other medications?
About Side Effects and Safety:
- • What side effects should I watch for?
- • What foods or activities should I avoid?
- • When should I call you about problems?
- • How should I store this medication?
- • Is there a generic version available?