The Medicine Cabinet: Storing and using Medication

Ignoring the medical products that are available over the counter from pharmacists, there are several thousands different preparations that your doctor could prescribe for you. Each of these drugs will have had millions of pounds spent on it during development and then will have been subjected to rigorous examination by the Medicine Control Agency (MCA) to determine its safety and effectiveness.

Storing medicine

Most drugs can be stored at room temperature, but there are a few that should be placed in a refrigerator. Drugs in this category includes some eye and ear drops and insulin. All other drugs should be locked away out of the reach of the children. IF several members of the household are taking medication on a regular basis then each person should store his drugs separately.

Taking Medication

It is vital that the instructions advising how a drug should be taken are read before the first dose is consumed. Although some medication still comes in small, child proof brown bottles with a label advising dosage and special precautions, many now comes as a standard manufacturer's pack. This pack will, by law, contain a leaflet advising on the dose to be taken as well as all aspects of special instructions, side effects and guidance on dealing with accidental overdose. If the instructions are still not clear, then seak advice from the pharmacist or doctor.

Taking different medication

Many people find that they have to take a number of different drug every day. Generally it is safe to take a variety of tablets and medicines at the same time, but there are some groups that should be kept apart if possible as they might interfere with the way the drugs are absorbed from the stomach. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist for help. Always tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any over the counter or complementary therapies.

Medication and Driving

There are several classes of medication that may cause drowsiness or sedation and it is important that a person taking these types of drugs should not drive. Among the remedies, that can have this effect are some antihistamines, stronger painkillers and tablets for depression. The sedative effect of these drugs can be made worse by alcohol, which should be avoided.