Medications
Labels | Warnings | Does it Match its Descripton | Drug Interactions | Making a Pill Schedule | Taking Pills on Time | Safety Lids | Outdated Medicines

All Medications Tips

Check the labels to be sure the medications are clearly marked.

In Oregon, the prescription label tells:

• who the prescription is for
• date prescription was filled by the pharmacy
• pharmacy name, address and phone number
• name of the medication
• directions for use
• doctor who prescribed the medication
• Rx (prescription) number
• number of units (whether tablets, capsules, or ml of liquid)
• number of refills available

Check the label for warnings.

Some common warnings advise as to:

• drowsiness
• the necessity of taking the medication with food or on an empty stomach
• sun sensitivity
• dizziness
• whether water is necessary
• external use only
• and hints like shake well or refrigerate.

Be sure the medication inside the container is actually the medication prescribed.

In Oregon, an auxiliary label describes the appearance of the medication inside.

If the label says the contents are a small round red tablet and you see a small white tablet, you should call the pharmacy for an explanation.

Drug interactions.

Keep a record/list of all current medications and double check it regularly against what the primary care physician thinks is being given.

The receipt provided by the pharmacy lists the reasons a particular drug is being used, how to administer the medication, and common side effects.

Especially if several doctors are prescribing medications for your loved one, be sure to check with the primary care physician about possible drug interactions.

Make a pill schedule to help your mom know when to take her pills, with what foods, etc.

Creating a pill schedule or medicine chart is a good way to learn about each medication and how it should be given.

The chart includes:

• Your mom’s name
• Medication name & what it is for
• Dosage
• Form: tablet, suppository, capsule, etc.
• When each medication should be given and perhaps how and where
• Most importantly: A sample of the medication

Now, using the pill schedule as a guide, put the medication(s) in the daily, weekly, or monthly pill sorter you've purchased at the pharmacy.

When a medication changes in any way -- brand to generic, dosage, time of day to be given -- update the chart right away to avoid any medication errors.

Taking pills on time.

A checklist might help you and your dad keep track of when he takes his pills.

• On the left, list the pills and when your dad is supposed to take each one.
• Make a column for each day of the week.

When your dad takes a pill he can check the dose off on the checklist.

Safety lids.

In homes where youngsters are frequent visitors, purchase medicines in containers with child-resistant safety caps. And be sure the caps are properly closed after each use.

Store medicines beyond the reach of children.

Many poisonings occur when children visiting grandparents go through the medicine cabinet or grandmother's purse.

Dispose of outdated medicines properly.

Grind pills up in the garbage disposal or flush them down the toilet.