Precautions for Taking Medications at Home

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.
Image Source: Google
Image Source: Google

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.