Data shows that Americans need to do a better job of understanding exactly what medications they take because, if they don’t, the consequences can be deadly.
Medications account for more than half the calls to the Nebraska Regional Poison Center.
In advance of Poison Prevention Week — which runs March 20 through March 26 — the center shares tips on medications.
For adults:
- Keep a list of all medications that you take and share those with your doctor or pharmacist. Some medications will dangerously interact with others and it is important that your doctor knows all of the medicines you are taking.
- Learn the names of your medications, as well as their dosage strength and schedules.
- Ask if you should avoid certain foods, medications or other activities while you are taking a drug.
- Question anything that you don’t understand or doesn’t seem right. Be alert to changes in the appearance of the medications when having them refilled.
- If you are too ill to follow these suggestions, ask for help.
- Never take medicine in the dark. Always read the label before taking medications.
- Understand that many medications contain a combination of several drugs. Read the label to make sure you aren’t double-dosing yourself with additional medications.
For children:
- Store all medications up and out of reach and sight of children.
- Don’t take medications in front of children. Kids imitate adults.
- Don’t refer to medicine as candy.
- Give the right dose. It’s important to give your child the amount on the label for the child’s age and weight. Use the dropper or cup that comes with the medicine and store it with the medicine for next time. Kitchen spoons are not accurate!
- Children come in a variety of sizes. Basing a dose on age can result in giving too much or too little of a medicine.
- Never give a child a medicine for adults. Read the label carefully!
- If you have house guests make sure that they store their medications safely and they aren’t left in suitcases or nightstands.