If you were teaching people about reading prescription labels, what advice would you give?

The purpose behind this question?


Literacy. Obviously, the first thing is to heed the advice of the doctor.


If it says take 2 tablets 4 times a day, does it mean at fixed intervals?


what other advice would you give?


I've tried googling.


Now interested in what you guys have to say.


thanks.If you were teaching people about reading prescription labels, what advice would you give?
Understand what the doctor wants you to do, and why, BEFORE you leave the office. Make sure they talk to you and not at you. Your pharmacist should reiterate what, and why, you are taking this medicine.


Does the label match what was talked about? Question discrepancies.


If it's a refill, does it match what you were doing? Did the medicine look that same?


The first step to read the label correctly is to have a idea what it's suppose to say.





Next, check out your bottles before you leave the pharmacy. Does it say what it was suppose to say? Did it match what you discussed with the doctor and pharmacist?





Do what the directions say. If you find you have question at a later time then call your pharmacist or the doctor. Don't just guess at it.


BTW, 2 tablets 4 times daily in some hospitals is different than take 2 tablets every 6 hours. Every 6 hours is just that-every 6 hours. 4 times daily is usually different that that so you don't have to wake patients in the middle of the night to give them a pill or shot. Many medicines can be done that way. There are some that have to be at a regular dosing interval even if involves bothering the patient at 2AM.If you were teaching people about reading prescription labels, what advice would you give?
i think the best advice on prescriptions , is to take as directed. if you take more than one you may want to ask the pharmacy how your meds work together. and take them at diffrent times so they dont cause adverse effects. but the meds you take should be taken at the same time every day. and if you have problems its important to know you can talk to your dr or pharmacy . if its twice a day its every 12 hours. if its 4 times a day its every 6 hours. its also important to keep all meds in original bottles . and to finish all meds even if you feel better .and if you have small children ask for childproof caps.


and for the elderly caps that are easy to remove. and if you take pain meds or medications that are narcotics its important to keep them in a safe place. and before you drive or operate a machine know how the meds effect you. also if you take several meds write down the times you take them so you dont get confused or take more than you are suppose too. and ask the dr what you need to do if you missed a dose as it may be dangerous to double up on some meds.
Well, that would be best left up to your physician. And depending upon how the side effects works for you. If you can digest 2 tablets 4 times a day then fine. But if you have trouble handling that kind of dosage, contact your physician's ofc, to see if that can recommend a lesser dosage for you to handle.





good luck
Do what the doctor tells you. When you pick up the med at the pharmacy, have the pharmacist explain to you how to take it %26amp; ask him any questions you have. Be sure you are clear on how to take the med correctly before leaving the pharmacy.