Taking the Right Dose… the Right Way

Our medicine cabinets contain a growing number of medications with unwieldy instructions. The best way to become better informed is to read and understand the labels for your medications. It’s one of the most important parts of taking care of yourself while taking medication.

Did the doctor say to take one with every meal or without food? Can I take this over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressant with my doctor-prescribed heart medication?

Used incorrectly, some medications can do more harm than good. So whether you’re starting a new prescription or shopping for cold medicine, the details do matter.

The right time to start thinking about the correct use of prescription medicines is when you get the prescription. Here’s a checklist of questions to ask the doctor:

• What’s the name of the medicine?
• How often should I take it, at what dosage, and when?
• For how long should I take it?
• What side effects should I expect? What should I do if they occur?
• What foods, drinks, or other medications should I avoid while taking the medicine?
• What should I do if I forget a dose?

Write the answers down. When you pick up the prescription, check that it is the same one your doctor prescribed. Never chew, unless the directions indicate that you should—this may cause long-acting medications to be absorbed too quickly.

Many liquid medications today come with a plastic cup that holds just the right amount. If not, ask your pharmacist for a cylindrical dosing spoon or an oral syringe, which is especially useful with small children and the elderly. Otherwise, use a measuring spoon—ordinary spoons vary widely in size.

September/October 2006 A Healthy Tomorrow

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