Explain some Guidelines to Help in Use Drugs Wisely?
By now, you are aware that the interaction of foods and drugs is a complex problem. Researchers cannot always predict whether a new drug will react with a food or if a drug that has been in use for some time will react with a new food. Moreover, you, as the consumer, cannot be expected to know everything about the drug. Then, what can we do to get the greatest benefit from drugs with the least risk? The following guidelines will assist us in preventing problems and getting the most from the medicines that one must take:
1. When the doctor prescribes a medicine, be sure to mention every other drug taken including alcohol and over-the-counter agents such as aspirin, antacids and laxatives. If you don't know the amount and types of drugs you are taking, take the bottles with you when you visit the doctor.
2. Be sure you understand when and how the drug/supplement/product should be taken and then follow directions (for example, with meals, before meals, or after meals). You could perhaps paste labels on the bottle(s) to remind you when and how the drug should be taken.
3. Tell the doctor about any changes or ill effects you have after taking the drug and any unusual symptoms that occur after eating certain foods.
4. Taking drugs with a full glass of water is generally the safest way and in many cases, it may help prevent irritation of the stomach lining.
5. Do not mix medication into hot drinks, because the heat from the drink may destroy the effectiveness of the drug.
6. Do not take vitanliil pills at the same time as taking the medication; vitamins and miilerals can interact with some drugs.
7. Do not stir medicine into your food or take capsules apart (unless directed by your physician). This may change the way the drug works.
8. If you take any drug, do not use alcohol without checking with the doctor first to see if it will be safe.
9. If you have been taking a drug for a long time, ask the doctor if you should be concerned about any vitamin or mineral deficiencies.
10. Read directions, warnings and interaction precautions printed on all medicine labels and package inserts.
11. When buying any over-the-counter medicine, be sure to read the label and the package insert for directions and warnings. If in doubt about the product, ask the pharmacist.
12. Finally, use the least number of drugs possible and take them as directed to reduce the chances of developing a drug/drug or food/drug interaction.