Everyone knows how to take medicine, but do you know the correct way to take medication? Taking medication incorrectly not only fails to treat the illness, but it can also harm your health and even be life-threatening.
1. Take medication on time.
Take medication at the same time every day if it needs to be taken once daily. Taking medication twice daily usually means taking it at 8 am and 8 pm. Taking medication four times daily usually means taking it at 8 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 8 pm. Taking medication before a meal usually means taking it half an hour before. Digestive medications are usually taken before meals, while medications that do not specify before meals are taken after meals. Taking medication before bed means taking it half an hour before going to sleep. Taking medication on an empty stomach means taking it one hour before breakfast. If necessary, take medication when symptoms appear, such as taking fever-reducing medication when having a fever or taking painkillers when experiencing pain.
2. Pay attention to the dosage and avoid overdosing.
The effectiveness of medication is closely related to the dosage. Insufficient dosage may not achieve the desired effect, while excessive dosage can lead to strong effects and sometimes even toxic reactions. Patients with chronic diseases should not adjust, add, or change their medication without consulting a doctor. They should seek medical attention promptly if their condition changes. For example, a hypertensive patient may usually control their blood pressure with one pill, but during cold weather, their blood vessels constrict, and one pill may not be sufficient. Therefore, self-monitoring is important for patients with chronic diseases.
3. Read the instructions carefully.
Read the drug instructions carefully before taking medication. Don't just look at the main indications; pay attention to the specific symptoms and read about the dosage, precautions, contraindications, adverse reactions, etc.
4. Avoid unnecessary intravenous infusion.
"Oral administration is preferred over injections, and intramuscular injections are preferred over intravenous injections" should be the principle of medication. Oral medication is absorbed slowly, but adverse reactions are relatively mild. With intravenous infusion or injection, the medication directly enters the blood vessels. Although the effect is fast, a severe allergic reaction can occur, and if not promptly treated, it can have serious consequences.
5. Be cautious with folk remedies.
Traditional Chinese medicine is profound and there are some folk remedies that may be effective. However, it is best to consult someone knowledgeable in traditional Chinese medicine and herbal medicine and scientifically evaluate the actual usage, dosage, and reduce the risk.
6. Be cautious with drug interactions.
It is best not to use two drugs of the same class for compound preparations. If you are not sure about the side effects of simultaneous medication, consult a doctor. Many drugs can interact with each other, potentially producing harmful substances in the body. In severe cases, it can even be life-threatening. Therefore, using drugs without professional guidance is like preparing a "poison".
