all prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary medicines that the resident is taking or using, and what these are for In this case, the doctor usually suggests the patient a sample dosage; the patient then modifies it according to his/her needs and the situation (e.g., insulin). When starting a new medication, be sure to write down the name of the drug, the dose, and why it’s being prescribed for you. Also, make note of any special instructions for how to take the medicine. For many drugs, this information is included on the bottle or prescription label. It can be dangerous to combine certain prescription drugs, OTC medicines, dietary supplements, or other remedies. For example, you should not take aspirin if you take warfarin for heart problems. To avoid potentially serious health issues, talk to your doctor about all medicines you take, including those prescribed by other doctors, and any OTC drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. Mention everything, even ones you use infrequently. Starting a new medicine All substances are poisons; there is none which is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison and a remedy."

date and time the last dose of any 'when required' medicine was taken or any medicine given less often than once a day (weekly or monthly medicines) The dosage of these drugs is usually set by the doctor according to the patient's needs or age (e.g., hypotensive drugs). In this case, you also don't have to worry about medical dosage calculations! Should I take the medicine with food or not? Is there anything I should not eat or drink when taking this medicine? Create a file. Save all the written information that comes with your medicines and keep it somewhere you can easily refer to it. Keep these guides for as long as you’re taking the medication. The recommendations for good practice have been developed by the Guideline Development Group (GDG), using relevant legislation, guidance and policy as the foundation for good practice. See appendix B of the full guideline for a list of key resources used in developing this guideline.

Variable Price

The dose of the drug depends on the weight of the patient. It means that two patients with the same disease may receive a different amount of the same drug! Ask about special instructions on where to store a medicine. For example, should it be kept in the refrigerator or in another climate-controlled place? Talk with your health care provider before starting any new prescription, OTC medicine, or supplement, and ensure that your provider knows everything else you are taking. Discuss any allergies or problems you have experienced with other medicines. These might include rashes, trouble breathing, indigestion, dizziness, or mood changes. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist have an up-to-date list of your allergies so they don’t give you a medicine that contains something that could cause an allergic reaction. Make a list. Write down all medicines you take, including OTC drugs. Also include any vitamins or dietary supplements. The list should include the name of each medicine or supplement, the amount you take, and time(s) you take it. If it’s a prescription drug, also note the doctor who prescribed it and the reason it was prescribed. Show the list to all your health care providers, including physical therapists and dentists. Keep one copy in a safe place at home and one in your wallet or purse.

When treating a patient, or just taking a medication by yourself, we always need to wonder what is the exact dose of the drug we choose. And the truth is that we dose (or should dose) nearly everything in our life, from cooking dinner to taking medications! However, regarding drugs, there are certain different kinds of dosing that depend on the specific drug and/or the patient. Each time you visit one of your health care providers, tell them about any new prescription drugs, OTC medicines, and supplements you’re taking and be sure to ask if you still need to be on all your medications. This is a relatively small group of drugs. The doses are different depending on the concentration of the drug's active compound in the serum (e.g., vitamin K antagonists, lithium, etc.).

Scrabble Tools

the resident's (and/or their family members' or carers', as appropriate and in line with the resident's wishes) concerns, questions or problems with the medicines

Medicine in a Day: Revision Notes for Medical Exams, Finals, UKMLA and Foundation Years covers all conditions in the UK Medical Licensing Assessment and more, within just one book! Prepared by a unique combination of authors – including early career stage doctors still close to what is required for exam success, expert educators and senior specialists – Medicine in a Day provides the trusted information you need most when time is short. changes to medicines, including medicines started, stopped or dosage changed, and reason for change Dietary supplements are not considered drugs because they are not intended to prevent or treat diseases. Rather, these products are intended to maintain or improve health, and they may help you meet your daily requirements for essential vitamins and minerals. For example, calcium and vitamin D can help build strong bones. Learn more about taking supplements safely in the NIA article, Dietary Supplements for Older Adults.

any problems the resident has with the medicines, such as side effects or reactions, taking the medicines themselves (for example, using an inhaler) and difficulty swallowing When you get your prescriptions filled, the pharmacist can answer many of your questions about prescription drugs, OTC medicines, and supplements. Try to have all your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy so your records are in one place. This will help alert the pharmacist if a new drug might cause a problem with something else you’re taking. If you’re unable to use just one pharmacy, share your list of medicines and supplements with the pharmacist at each location when you drop off your prescription. Some side effects may appear when you start taking a medicine but get better with time. Others occur once in a while. But some side effects may be ongoing while you’re on the medication. If you have uncomfortable side effects, don’t stop taking your medicine before you talk with a health care provider. Write them down so you can report them to your doctor or pharmacist accurately. Call your doctor right away if you have any problems with your medicines or if you are worried that the medicine might be doing more harm than good. Your health care provider may be able to prescribe a different medicine or help you deal with side effects in other ways. Consider a generic version of the drug. Ask your doctor whether a generic drug or a less expensive brand-name medicine is available.

how to manage medicines when the resident is away from the care home for a short time (for example, visiting relatives)

About Elsevier Health Sciences

other information, including when the medicine should be reviewed or monitored, and any support the resident needs to carry on taking the medicine (adherence support) Take medicine on time. Some people use meals or bedtime as reminders to take their medicine. Other people use charts, calendars, or weekly pill boxes. You can also set timers and write reminders to take your medication. Medication reminder apps for smartphones are becoming more popular; these apps can help you remember when and how to take your medications each day. Tell your doctor about alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can affect how well your medicines work. Be honest with your doctor about how much you use.