1. Strictly adhere to the relevant regulations of the country on the management of toxicity and limited use of traditional Chinese medicine and proprietary Chinese medicine, especially the regulations on the management of 28 highly toxic traditional Chinese medicines and 4 proprietary Chinese medicines. Like drugs in Western medicine, highly toxic traditional Chinese medicines and proprietary Chinese medicines should also be managed by dedicated personnel and stored in dedicated counters. The specific varieties and regulations are detailed in Chapter 1, Section 5.
2. All traditional Chinese medicines that require processing should be processed in accordance with the law, and raw materials should not be used for internal use.
3. Formulators should receive professional training, and a check and verification system should be implemented when dispensing prescriptions. Prescription notes that are unclear or of suspicious variety should be checked and verified before being dispensed.
4. Pay attention to the indications of medications: According to research, Pinellia ternata can damage the fetal qi in pregnant patients with insufficient gastric acid, but pregnant patients with normal gastric acid do not have this disadvantage.
5. Proper compatibility: For example, according to reports, the toxicity of "Si Ni Tang" is reduced by 75% when used in combination with Aconitum. The addition of Pinellia ternata to Bupleurum can prevent vomiting caused by Bupleurum.
6. Strictly control the dosage of toxic and potent drugs based on the patient's condition, age, constitution, and other factors. Generally, start with a small dose and gradually increase it. Without the guidance of a doctor, it is not allowed to use excessive amounts indiscriminately.
7. Use the correct administration methods according to the characteristics of the medication, such as removing the foam when decocting Ephedra, and taking Scutellaria baicalensis in the form of capsules or wrapped in Gastrodia elata.
8. Keep oral and topical medications separate, especially for some toxic topical proprietary Chinese medicines, which should be properly stored to prevent accidental ingestion.
9. Containers or utensils used for packaging toxic drugs must not be used for other drugs or food without thorough cleaning. They should not be casually discarded and should be properly disposed of to prevent others from accidental poisoning. There have been reports of poisoning caused by using flour packaged in a bag previously containing arsenic.
10. Closely observe the reaction after medication and take timely measures, especially for highly toxic traditional Chinese medicines and proprietary Chinese medicines.
11. Strengthen the promotion of knowledge about the toxicity of traditional Chinese medicines and proprietary Chinese medicines and educate children not to self-medicate, and especially not to consume the fruits or seeds of toxic traditional Chinese medicines indiscriminately.
