Upton Group Practice

Medicines Advice

The following ‘Golden Rules of Self Medication’ will help you treat minor ailments safely.  Remember, if you are at all anxious about your medicine or your illness, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

The Golden Rules...

Before you buy a medicine, think about the following:

¨    who it is for - if it is for a child, state the age

¨    the symptoms

¨    how long the symptoms have been present

¨    what treatment, if any, has been tried already

¨    what other medicines are being taken for any other ailment

¨    if the patient is pregnant or breast feeding

¨    if the patient is sensitive or allergic to Aspirin or any other medicines

Before you use a medicine:

¨    read the label carefully.  It tells you WHO the medicine is for; WHAT it is for; HOW MUCH to take; WHEN to take it and HOW to take it.

 ¨    check the expiry date.  If you have had the medicine in your cupboard for some time and think it might be too old, speak to the pharmacist.

When you use a medicine:

¨    use it exactly as explained on the label and DO NOT exceed the maximum or recommended daily dose.

¨    do not try to crush or dissolve tablets or break up capsules, unless it is stated on the label.

¨    for liquid medicines, always use a special 5ml measure - not a teaspoon.

¨    pay attention to special warnings, e.g. if the tablets could make you drowsy, do not drive.

¨    complete the course, especially for antibiotics.

¨    dispose of any unused medicines by returning them to your Pharmacist.

Remember:

¨    store medicines in a cool, dry place, safely locked away from children.

¨    if you are not better in two or three days, go to your doctor.

¨    if you are in any doubt which medicine to choose or how to use it, ask your Pharmacist or GP.

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Last modified: 15/09/2005