The following are basic guidelines for taking prescription and nonprescription medications:
- Use medications only if nondrug approaches are not working.
- Know the benefits and side effects of a medication before taking it.
- Take the minimum effective dose.
- Never take a drug prescribed for someone else.
- Follow the prescription instructions exactly or let your doctor know why you didn't.
- Keep medications tightly capped in their original containers, and store them as directed.
- Do not take medications in front of small children. Children are great mimics. Don't oversell the "candy" taste of children's medicines or leave children's vitamins within their reach.
- Add a consumer's guide to medications to your home health library.
Credits
| Author | Katy E. Magee, MA |
| Author | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 19, 2006 |
Author:Katy E. Magee, MA
Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Last Updated: 05/19/2006
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.
