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Medicine : More Is Not Better |
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Do you use one or more prescription medicines? Have you ever taken a number of different medicines at different times? Do you use common, over-the-counter medicines? Medicines are sometimes necessary, but it is not true that "more is better." Many medicines are harmful if taken in incorrect doses. This includes over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, paracetamol, vitamins, iron supplements, and cold and asthma medications.
Many prescription medicines are harmful if taken in large amounts. These include: - asthma medicines
- heart pills
- tranquilisers
- anti-depressants
- diet pills
- sedatives and
- pain killers
Always take medicine according to the directions on the label. Do not double-up and take more than the label directs. If you miss a dose, check with a doctor to see how much to take. Never take someone else's prescription medication. Carefully secure medications if someone in the home is depressed. He or she may think about hurting himself by taking an overdose. Keep medications in locked cabinets, safe from children. If there are children in your household, you should avoid buying certain medicines, like aspirin, in very large containers. Discard all medicines when they are no longer in use. You should also discard them if they change colour, crumble, or if it is past the expiration date on the label. If someone has serious side effects or overdoses on a medication, call 000 for emergency help. You may also get information about medications from your local Poisons Information Centre. Keep its phone number posted by the phone. Article #4865 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
