A Guide to Medications for Senior Citizens

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Although modern medicines have many benefits for treatment of age-related diseases, caution is needed. Medicine or “drugs” can refer to any substance you have with a prescription, any oral or topical substance used for pain relief, and dietary supplements. Any substance that has potential to be considered in this category. To prevent mixing medicinal substances together that can be harmful, you know what medications you take in addition to those prescribed. Senior citizens should keep a list of medications and doses that they take and bring to every doctor’s appointment.

It is very important to practice safe habits with medication as many drugs can be taken in the wrong way. Senior citizens should use the following tips to ensure safe use of medication. Companions or caregivers should use these tips to help facilitate and encourage proper medication use Medical Condition.

Tips for when you are Prescribed Medications

When a doctor prescribes a new medication for specified symptoms, remember the following afterward tips for how to proceed:

Tell your doctor about all other medications you currently take,
Remind primary care physicians about allergies that you have side effects that you experience from other types of medications.
Be sure that you understand exactly how all your medications work and how to properly take them.
Here are some helpful questions to get this information:

What is the name of the medication?
Why am I taking it?
How many times should I take it?
Should I take this medication before, during, or after meals?
What does “as needed” mean?
When should I stop taking the medication?
If I forget to take the medication, what should I do?
What side effects can I expect?
You can also ask your pharmacist for more information about your medication. By having all of your medications filled with the same pharmacy, the pharmacy may be able to predict the harmful interactions if all of your medications are kept on file. When getting a prescription filled at the pharmacy, keep these tips in mind:

Be sure that you can read and understand all the directions and writing materials that accompany prescribed medication.
Check that you can open the container the medicine is in.
Let your pharmacist know if you have difficulty swallowing pills, so you can get a liquid variety if available – Do not crush or medication meant to be swallowed.
Ask about the best way to store the medication.
Be sure that the label of medication indicates that it is the correct medication you have prescribed and displays your name.
Tips for Taking Medications
You should be sure that you follow the directions for taking that medication. Here are some tips for safely taking a combination of medications:

Have a list of medications; include the doctor who prescribed it, the name of the medication, the reason you take it, and the directions for use.
Read and save all written information that comes with prescribed medication
Take your medication.
Let your doctor know immediately if you experience any unexpected side effects from the medication.
Use charts, calendars, or weekly pillboxes to help you remember the daily basis for medications.
Make sure companions or caregivers know and how you are supposed to take your medication so that they can remind you.
Don’t skip medication – if you have trouble affording medication, research programs that can help in funding for needed medications. Medicare, a government program for senior citizens, may be a good place to start.
Avoid mixing alcohol and medication – alcohol can cause medications to not work correctly.
Take medication until you are instructed or your doctor instructs you to stop.
Do not take medication prescribed to others.
Do not take medication in the dark to avoid making a mistake.
Check expiration dates on your pill bottles in a medication case should be replaced.
Don’t leave your medication in the open where children can get to them.

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