Medication guidelines


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Medication guidelines


The following are basic guidelines for taking prescription and nonprescription medicines:

  • Use medicines only if nondrug approaches are not working.
  • Know the benefits and side effects of a medicine 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 medicines tightly capped in their original containers, and store them as directed.
  • Don't take medicines 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.
  • Ask your doctor what medicines may not be safe to give your child.
  • Add a consumer's guide to medicines to your home health library.

Credits


Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated May 1, 2008

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Last updated: May 01, 2008
Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By: Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine, Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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