TAKING medication and supplements has become part and parcel of our lives, especially in these days of trying to attain optimum health and managing disease. Some of us are accustomed to taking certain supplements to maintain our vitality. It could be anything from omega oils to calcium, zinc, magnesium, garlic, turmeric and evening primrose oil, plus a whole range of other things.
As we age and get afflicted by diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions and arthritis, the doctor may prescribe a lot of medicine to control our condition. By the time you take out the pills that are compulsory and optional, you may end up with a small bowl with various shapes, sizes and colours.
The first thing you need to ensure is to not leave your medication lying around in the house. If you have children or even adults who are mentally challenged, these medication may pose a threat as they may be accidentally ingested.
Accidental ingestion of medicine may be harmful to a person. If this happens, you need to know what to do. First, find out what and how much of it was taken. Do you induce vomiting or flush it out of their system by giving them lots of water? When in doubt, take them to the emergency department immediately.
UNDERSTANDING MEDICATIONS
With so many types of medicine to take, it's also wise to know what we are taking. Get more information about your prescription, especially the names and dosage.
Should you take them before or after meals? Sometimes you'd have to take it together with your meals. There are medications that should be taken half an hour before eating so that it may line the stomach before receiving food.
It's good to ask your doctor about this. But if your turn with your doctor is done and you forgot to ask him, then you can ask the nurse. If you miss that chance too, ask a pharmacist for help. It's important to comply with your prescription and know what they can do for you.
Medicines are drugs and some are actually restricted poisons. These medicines are chemicals used to cure, halt or prevent diseases. They can ease symptoms and help doctors cure many diseases.
I've always marvelled at how these tiny pills can save lives. How often have you heard of people taking antihistamines when they have an allergy attack that could potentially be life-threatening?
Also inform your doctor about the supplements you're taking because some of them can have adverse reactions with your prescribed medication. Taking multiple supplements and medicine together increases the risk of contra-indications. The more medicine you take, the more contra effects there may be.
If dizziness is one of them, be careful to avoid falls. Don't drive or use any machine that requires your full concentration. If you feel unwell after taking your prescribed medication, inform your doctor immediately. That medication may be too strong or is unsuitable for you.
Be careful not to double dose yourself. Do not try to make up for a missed dose by taking it with your next dose. Just take a note of it and inform your doctor, especially if prescribed for short-term, like antibiotics.
PLANNING YOUR INTAKE
You'll also be told how many times a day your medication needs to be taken. If it's once a day, you just need to decide when and keep taking it at the same time each day. This creates a routine and it also helps your body to get accustomed to the medicine instead of being erratic and inconsistent.
If you have to take it twice a day, that means it should be taken 12-hourly. I usually like to time it with my breakfast and dinner, like 7am and 7pm, respectively. If you have to take it three times a day, then it's an eight-hourly dosage. This is easier to time with your meals. The same goes for taking it four times a day. That means a six-hourly dose.
It's important to understand this because you need to supply your body with the prescribed medication constantly. It shouldn't be getting too much or too little. If you're new to this, ask your doctor to help you with the scheduling. You can also ask the nurse for help.
It can be quite confusing at first, but you'll get the hang of it eventually, and more so when you're managing your loved one's medication. Ask your loved one to tell you if they feel unwell. If they can't speak for themselves, find out about the various adverse reactions that those medications can cause. Ask your doctor, but it's also a good idea to read the leaflets that come in every box of medication.
(The views expressed in this article are the writer's own)
Putri Juneita Johari volunteers for the Special Community Society of Ampang. She can be reached at [email protected].
