New drugs are constantly being discovered..  Many drugs used commonly 20 years ago have been replace by newer and safer compounds.  Check with your doctor before you or any member of your family use any drug.  It is important not to share prescription medication between family members or friends.

 

When taking medications a few safety measures can ensure the drug’s effectiveness and your health.  Never exceed the recommended dosage, check with your pharmacist to understand when and how to take the medicine.  Some drugs work better on an empty stomach, some with a meal.  Avoid alcohol, many drugs enhance the effects of the alcohol and alcohol can affect the action of certain drugs, causing side effects or adverse reactions.  Even if your symptoms disappear or you feel better ALWAYS take the prescribed course of your medication.  During pregnancy it is important to avoid any medicine that could endanger the development of the fetus, most will pass from the woman’s circulation to the fetus.  While breast feeding, do not take any over-the-counter drugs without your doctor’s approval.

 

Special care should be taken  giving drugs to infants and children because their livers, which process chemicals from the bloodstream, are immature.  Measure accurately and give the exact prescribed dose.  Never dilute your child’s medication or add it to your baby’s bottle.  Do not give any drug that has been prescribed for an adult or another child.  Never give a child aspirin unless prescribed by a doctor, aspirin can cause severe reactions in children.

 

When your doctor prescribes a medication ask, how much should be taken in each dose, when and how often, with or without meals, sleep interruption, side effects, and how soon should you see improvements.  Most drugs do not work within an hour or two, some need to build up a certain level in the body.

 

Over-the-counter(OTC) drugs seldom have a direct effect on the cause of a condition but they may relieve painful or uncomfortable symptoms.  In most cases the speed of your recovery depends more on your age and general health than on any such treatments.  If you are unsure about any aspect of a OTC medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

 

Here are a few item you should keep on hand to deal with common problems, and to be prepared for accidents and emergencies.  The medicine cabinet that locks is the best place to keep prescription and OTC drugs.  Drugs usually have a shelf life of about one year.  You are likely to need; thermometer, antiseptic cream, insect bite treatment, antacid, anti-diarrhea medication, motion-sickness, sun-screen, petroleum jelly, elastic bandages, aspirin, and acetaminophen.  First-aid supplies should be stored in a well sealed metal or plastic box, clearly labeled, and easy for you to open.  This should include sterile cotton, sterile bandages, gauze, triangular bandages, elastic bandages, tubular gauze, antiseptic, waterproof adhesive bandages, safety pins, tweezers, and scissors.  All bandages and gauze should be in several sizes.  

 

A safety note: it is important to keep ALL medicines out of the reach of children.  A locked wall cabinet is usually the safest place.     See ya, pam