Medication Safety: How to Take Your Medicines Correctly

The World Health Organization estimates that medication errors and unsafe medication practices are a leading cause of preventable harm in healthcare, costing an estimated US$42 billion annually worldwide. Taking your medicines correctly is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

General Medication Safety Rules

For each medication you take, understand:

• What is it for? (the condition it treats)
• How much to take? (the correct dose)
• When to take it? (time of day, with or without food)
• How long to take it? (short course vs. long-term)
• Possible side effects (what to watch for)

• Follow the prescribed dose exactly - do not take more or less
• Take medications at the recommended times
• Complete the full course of antibiotics even if you feel better - stopping early contributes to antibiotic resistance
• Do not share your medications with others

• Store medications as directed (some need refrigeration)
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture (not in the bathroom)
• Keep out of reach of children
• Check expiry dates regularly and safely dispose of expired medications

Common Medication Mistakes

Not Telling Your Doctor About All Medications

• Always inform your doctor about every medication you take, including:
• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
• Vitamins and supplements
• Herbal remedies
• This prevents dangerous drug interactions

Incorrect Timing

• Some medications must be taken on an empty stomach (e.g., levothyroxine - 30-60 minutes before food)
• Some should be taken with food to reduce stomach irritation (e.g., NSAIDs, metformin)
• Some medications interact with specific foods (e.g., warfarin with vitamin K-rich foods)

Crushing or Splitting Tablets

• Not all tablets can be crushed or split
• Modified-release, enteric-coated, and some capsule formulations must be swallowed whole
• Crushing them can cause the full dose to be released at once, potentially causing harm
• Always ask your pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing tablets

Stopping Medications Suddenly

• Some medications must be tapered gradually under medical supervision:
• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone)
• Antidepressants (especially SSRIs, SNRIs)
• Beta-blockers
• Anti-epileptic drugs
• Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal effects or rebound symptoms

Antibiotics: Use Them Wisely

When Antibiotics Are Needed

• Bacterial infections (some chest infections, UTIs, bacterial skin infections)
• Prescribed by a doctor based on clinical assessment

When Antibiotics Are NOT Needed

• Viral infections: colds, flu, most sore throats, most coughs, COVID-19
• Antibiotics do not work against viruses
• Taking antibiotics unnecessarily contributes to antibiotic resistance - a global health threat

The WHO warns that antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to global health, food security, and development.

Over-the-Counter Medication Safety

Paracetamol

• Safe and effective when used correctly
• Maximum adult dose: 1 g (two 500 mg tablets) up to 4 times daily, with at least 4 hours between doses
• Maximum 4 g (8 tablets) in 24 hours
• Paracetamol overdose is dangerous and can cause fatal liver damage - even a small excess over the recommended dose, if repeated, can be harmful
• Be aware that paracetamol is found in many combination products (cold and flu remedies, co-codamol) - check labels to avoid double-dosing

NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen)

• Effective for pain and inflammation
• Take with food to protect the stomach
• Avoid long-term use without medical supervision
• Not suitable for everyone (caution with kidney disease, heart failure, stomach ulcers, asthma)

Your Pharmacist Is Your Ally

Pharmacists are medication experts who can:

• Explain how to take your medications correctly
• Check for drug interactions
• Advise on over-the-counter options
• Help with medication management tools (pill organisers)
• Answer questions about side effects

Do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist for advice - it is what they are trained for.

For Parents and Caregivers

• Keep all medications out of children's reach and in child-resistant containers
• Never call medicine "sweets" or "candy"
• Use the dosing device provided (syringe, spoon) - kitchen spoons are inaccurate
• Follow age and weight guidelines for children's medications carefully
• Store emergency medications (EpiPen, rescue inhaler) in accessible locations and ensure caregivers know how to use them

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or pharmaceutical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalised guidance.