PROPER USE OF MEDICINE

Take medicine exactly as directed, at the right time, and for the full length of time prescribed by the doctor. If you are using over-the-counter (non-prescription) medicine, follow the directions on the label, unless otherwise directed by the doctor. If you feel that the medicine is not working for you, check with the doctor. To avoid mistakes, do not take medicine in the dark. Always read the label before taking, noting especially the expiration date of the contents.

Oral Medicines.In general, it is the best to take oral medicines with a full glass of water. However, follow your doctor's or pharmacist's directions. Some medicines should be taken with food while others should be taken on an empty stomach. If you are taking liquid medicines, it is best to use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. Oral medicine may come in a number of different dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, and liquids. If you have trouble swallowing the dosage form prescribed for you, check with your doctor. There may be another form that would be better for you. If you are taking a long-acting form of medicine, each dose should be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Different medicines should never be mixed in one container. Always keep the medicines tightly capped in its original container, when not in use.

Ophthalmic (Eye) Drops.How to apply: First, wash hands. Tilt head back and with the index finger, pull lower eyelid away from eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close eyes. Do not blink. Keep eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Immediately after applying the eye drops, wash hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. To prevent contamination of the eye drops, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye) and keep the container tightly closed.

Nasal Drops.How to use: Blow nose gently. Tilt head back while standing or sitting up, or lie down on a bed and hang head over the side. Place the drops into each nostril and keep head tilted back for a few minutes to allow medicine to spread throughout the nose. Rinse the dropper with hot water and dry with a clean cloth. Replace the cap right after use. To avoid the spread of infection, do not use the container for more than one person.

Otic (Ear) Drops.How to apply:First, wash hands. Lie down or tilt the head so that the ear into which the medicine is to be placed faces up. For adults, gently pull the ear lobe up and back to straighten ear canal (for children, gently pull the ear lobe down and back). Drop medicine into the ear canal. Keep ear facing up for several minutes to allow medicine to run to the bottom of the ear canal. A sterile cotton plug may be gently inserted into the ear opening to prevent the medicine from leaking out. To prevent contamination of the ear drops, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the ear). Do not rinse dropper after use. Wipe the tip of the dropper with a clean tissue and keep the container tightly closed.