We’re in the
middle of the cold and flu season. Hopefully you’ve managed to avoid all the
bugs out there. However, if you or someone in your family does become sick,
you’ll probably reach for some type of medication to relieve your symptoms.
If and when you do, it’s important to take the medication correctly.
Before taking an
over-the-counter medication
With
any medication, read the label, before taking your first dose. With
over-the-counter medications, the active ingredients will be listed, along
with the symptoms that they treat. Some medications have two or three active
ingredients that work to relieve different symptoms. Choose the medication
that treats the symptoms of your particular illness. For instance, if you
have a cough, but not a runny nose, you don’t need a medication with an
ingredient to help alleviate nasal decongestion.
Another
factor to consider when reading the label is that some multi-symptom
medications contain a pain reliever (such as acetaminophen). If you choose a
medication with a pain reliever, you don’t need to take another medication to
relieve pain. Some of the over-the-counter pain relief medications include
ones containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), ibuprofen (such as Motrin or
Advil), naltrexone sodium (such as Aleve), or aspirin (Excedrin, Bayer, or
Bufferin). Most of these pain relievers also come in generic forms, so be
sure to check the labels. You’ll also
want to pay attention to any warnings listed on the label. Some medications
can cause drowsiness, and you shouldn’t drive after taking them. Some drugs
react with each other and shouldn’t be taken together, so you should pay
particular attention if you are taking any other over-the-counter or
prescription medications. Certain medications shouldn’t be taken on an empty
stomach; with others you’ll need to avoid alcohol, tobacco, or certain foods. If you have
any allergies, check the list in inactive ingredients to make sure the
medication won’t cause an allergic reaction.
Finally,
you’ll want to check the label for proper storage instructions. Some
medications should be stored at room temperature, others in the refrigerator.
If you have any questions about taking an over-the-counter medication, talk
to your doctor or pharmacist.When it
comes time to administer the medication – to yourself or someone else – check
the dosage chart each time. Different medications have different dosages. The
dosage cups that come with some medications can be slightly different, so
it’s important to make sure each time that the correct dose is given. Check
the expiration date, and discard if the medication is outdated. Read the
label for other instructions. For instance, some medications need to be
shaken – to distribute the active ingredients – before administering. Others
need to be taken with a full glass of water, or on a full – or empty – stomach. |
Administering medications to
children
Following dosage instructions can be especially critical when giving
medications to children. Medication is often given according to body weight,
and for young children just a little extra medication can be too much. Infant
drops, marketed for babies, are often more concentrated than regular
children’s medications. So, while a teaspoon of children’s acetominophen is
the correct dose for your four-year-old, a teaspoon of the same medication in
the infant-drop form would be too much.
Always use
medication recommended specifically for children or by your doctor. Don’t
give children medication intended for adults.Both
acetominophen and ibuprofen can help bring down a child’s fever. However,
according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ibuprofen is only
recommended for children over the age of six months. For babies under three
months, it’s probably best to check with your doctor before administering any
type of medication. Also check with your doctor before giving a child aspirin
products, as they may be associated with an increased risk of Reye syndrome.
Keeping a
medication record
If you take prescription or any type of over-the-counter medication on a
regular basis, you should keep a written record of all your current
medications. This record should include the names, the dosage, and the
schedule of when each medication is taken. Include both the prescription and
generic names of each medication. Also list what each medication does and why
you are taking it.It is best
to keep one written record at home, in a safe place, and another in your
purse or wallet. This will enable you to double check that the medications
you get from the pharmacy are correct. It will also help medical personnel
treat you effectively should an emergency occur and you are not able to tell
them which medications you are taking.When taken correctly,
medications can have a significant impact on reducing pain, treating symptoms
of illness, shortening illness, and even preventing it. Proper administration
is often an important factor in assuring that medication can do the job it
was intended to do. To make sure your medications work for you, read the
label, talk to your doctor, and follow all instructions carefully. |
