What should you know before using medications?
- What is the medicine for?
- How should you use it or prepare it?
- When and for how long should you use it?
- Can you take multiple medications at the same time?
- When taking the medicine formulated by the doctor can be affected the daily activities?
- What type of side effects may appear, and what to do if they appear?
Keep in mind once you get the drugs:
- Check that the label or box delivered to you does not show signs of having been opened, or that it is damaged, in other words, it is in good condition.
- Verify that the name, dosage, amount and presentation of the medicine delivered to you is the same as that formulated.
- Read and understand the information that is on the label or in the box of medicine that you have been given.
- Verify that the product has sanitary registration and that it has an appropriate expiration date.
- Avoid getting medication from the original container, as this can cause product damage and decrease its effect.
Tips for using medications:
- Try to take the medication at the same time. Try not to omit or delay doses.
- Take the medicines for as long as the doctor told you, not another day or a day less. Continue even if you feel better.
- Whenever you visit your doctor, you need to inform him or her of the medications you are taking, to avoid possible interactions and their associated side effects.
- If you miss a dose, do not try to replace it by taking a double dose.
- Food can make it difficult to absorb drugs. Consult with the doctor if they should be taken with or without food.
- Avoid alcohol when taking a medication, as it may increase or decrease the action of the drug.
- Always take the medication with water. Do not mix the medication with hot drinks since the heat may prevent the medicine from working.
- Do not extract the powder from the capsules, nor dissolve or crush the tablets to add them in a liquid, this can alter the effect of the medicine.
Keep in mind:
- Take before meals means 45 minutes before eating.
- Taking after meals means 45 minutes after eating.
- Fasting means 1 hour before breakfast.
- Take on an empty stomach, it means 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
How to store medicines?
- Review and read the storage instructions recommended by the manufacturer.
- Store in cool, dry places. Not in the bathroom, as this environment is very humid.
- Always keep medicines out of the reach of children.
- Some medications should be kept refrigerated but not frozen.
- Store medicines away from appliances and equipment that emit radiation and heat.
- Do not mix different medications in the same package.
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During hospitalization:
- Always keep the list of medicines you take at home, including those of natural origin. Tell your doctor what medications to take each time you go to a medical appointment.
- When you are hospitalized, do not allow the medication to be given to you without checking your identification handle, this guarantees your safety.
- Ask your health care provider to tell you what medication to give you, what it is for, and what its side effects are.