Medication do's and don'ts

Many people as they age take a number of medications on a daily basis. If you are helping someone take their medications you need to know what you are giving and if the drug has any potential side effects. 

Keeping track of medications can be made easier by asking your pharmacist to pack medications in a blister pack. Writing down a medication list and ticking off the drugs when given can also help.

Before giving a person any medications be sure to ask them how they are feeling. If a person is having problems swallowing, appears confused, lethargic or dizzy write down the symptoms and contact a doctor.

You can ensure a person safely takes their medications by following a few simple steps.

• Right person: Check the medication label and ensure the drug has been prescribed for the person and is not out of date.
   
• Right drug: Follow a recent medication list. Be careful not to give a drug twice. Some doctors will change from prescribing brand name drugs to generic drugs making it easy to give the same drug (with different names) twice.
   
• Right time: Drugs can be long or short acting, best taken before or after food or more effective when taken at certain times. Follow a doctor's orders as much as possible.
   
• Right amount: Always give the prescribed dose. Check a person's medication list and the drug label.
   
• Right route: Drugs can be given orally, via a patch, inhaler, topically or parentally (via an injection or infusion). If a person is having problems with a particular route inform a doctor.

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