Appropriate and Safe Use of Medications
More than half of American adults take prescription and/or non-prescription drugs. With such a high number of medications being taken, there is the potential of an equal number of medication errors to occur each day. Therefore, it is important to understand this risk and how to use medications in a proper and safe manner.
1) Always complete a course of antibiotics even if you feel better. If stopped early, the bacteria in the body may continue to grow, resulting in the return of the infection, possibly in a form that is resistant to the original antibiotic.
2) Be wise about over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) and NSAIDs (Aleve, Advil, and Ibuprofen). Due to the way the body metabolizes these medications, patients with poor kidney function should avoid NSAIDs and those with poor liver function should avoid Tylenol.
3) Always read labels and follow instructions. Never take larger or more frequent doses. Always take medication on time and for the length of time prescribed.
4) Do not take medications in the dark.
5) If you have an issue with medication, check with your physician before stopping it. There may be an alternative.
6) Tell your doctor if you use alcohol, tobacco, or any other medications (prescribed, over the counter, recreational). These may affect how your medication will work.
7) Finally, NEVER take someone else’s prescription medication or give yours to someone else.
For more information go to www.nia.nih.gov/health and search for safe medication use.
Parish Nurse,
The Catholic Church of St. Ann
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