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Medication Safety
Submitted by Cynthia Pasman Jackson, MSN, RN, FCN; Arkadelphia
Know your (and your children’s) medications and their
actions:
» Keep a Personal Medication Record (PMR) in your wallet or purse.
» Include all medications (vitamins, herbs, cold medicines, Tylenol,
prescriptions, etc…)
» Update the PMR every six months or with a change of medication.
» Share this information with ALL of your healthcare providers
and a loved one, whether they seem interested or not.
Go back for routine testing which might be required by the
medication you take:
» Ask at the time the medication is prescribed – do I need blood
work or other tests?
» Write down the answer on your PMR
» Keep the appointments for the blood work or other testing.
Take medicines as directed:
» Take all medications carefully and correctly as prescribed by your
healthcare provider.
» Make taking the medicine part of your routine to help you remember
the dose.
» Antibiotics – finish all of the pills or liquid. Even if you
feel better, the “bugs” can still grow.
» Do NOT stop taking the medication on your own,
consult your healthcare provider.
» Your medication is for YOU. Do not share prescription
medication with others, they may become very ill.
» Do not substitute one type of medication for another
(heart pills, water pills, blood pressure, etc.)
» Toddlers are not small adults. Be very careful
when giving multiple medications, especially for colds.
Forgetting a Dose:
» Once a day doses: if it is no more than 8 hours
after the missed dose, take it and resume your normal schedule the next
day.
» Twice a day or three times a day: if it is no more
than ½ way to the next dose, you may take the dose. Otherwise forget
that dose and take the next dose at the normal time.
» Birth Control pills and heart medications do not follow
these rules. You must contact your healthcare provider for individual
information.
Conversation is the Best Medicine:
» Do not be afraid to bother your healthcare provider with your concerns
or questions.
» Write down questions and take them to your appointment, then write
the answer.
» If you do not understand your healthcare provider, ask them to explain
in different words, you need to understand and feel comfortable with your
treatment plan.
» Being prepared and knowledgeable you and your healthcare providers
can work as a team to produce the best results for you and your family.
HOLY HEALTHY BLOG
Our goal is to provide new and relevant articles submitted by health professionals and clergy on a regular basis. Check this area for new postings!
NOVEMBER 2007
Dr. Taylor Prewitt, Ft. Smith:
"Getting The Most Out Of Your Physician
Visit"
DECEMBER 2007
Cynthia Pasman Jackson, MSN, RN, FCN:
"Creating a Healthy Holiday Heart"
APRIL 2008
Cynthia Pasman Jackson,
MSN, RN, FCN:
"Medication Safety"