Medication

HOW TO STORE MEDICATIONS

Be sure that medications are kept out of reach of any children or anyone who might misuse them

Store medications a dry and cool place

Avoid storing medications in the kitchen or bathroom, which can create heat and humidity, thus decreasing the effectiveness of the medication

Medications needing refrigeration are to be stored in an area in the refrigerator where they will not freeze

Store the medications away from other foods

Keep medications in their original containers

SUPPOSITORIES

Suppositories are a type of medication delivery system that can be used to deliver drugs and other therapeutic agents directly into the body. Suppositories are semi-solid, round or cone shaped drugs which are inserted into the rectum, vagina or urethra. Unlike oral medications, suppositories do not have to travel through the digestive system and can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, resulting in fast and effective drug delivery. Suppositories are used for a variety of purposes such as treating constipation, administering pain relief, providing hormone replacement therapy and delivering antibiotics. The pharmaceutical manufacturing process of suppositories involves combining active ingredients with a base composed of medicinal hydrogenated vegetable oils and waxes. Suppository technology has evolved over time, allowing for increased safety, stability and accuracy in drug delivery.

HOW TO INSERT A RECTAL SUPPOSITORY (MEDICATION THROUGH THE RECTUM)

If suppository is too soft to insert, it can be placed in refrigerator briefly or run cold water over it before being removed from the wrapper

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

Put on clean gloves

Lie on one side with the upper leg bent

Remove the suppository from the wrapper

Lubricate suppository with gel or water

Push suppository into the rectum with one gloved finger approximately two (2) inches

Remove and dispose of the gloves

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

HOW TO INSERT A VAGINAL SUPPOSITORY (MEDICATION THROUGH THE VAGINA)

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

Put on clean gloves

Lie on the back with legs bent and knees separated

Using the special applicator supplied with the product, insert the suppository gently into the vagina as far as possible, without using force

Release the suppository by pushing the plunger

Wash applicator with hot, soapy water or throw away if disposable

Remove and dispose of the gloves

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

TOPICAL MEDICATION

Topical medication is a type of medication that is applied to the surface of the skin or other mucous membranes. It usually consists of one or more active ingredients in a suitable carrier and is intended to be absorbed, enter the bloodstream, and have a therapeutic effect. These medications are used for conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, infections, allergic reactions, warts and herpes. Topical medications can be administered in many forms including creams, ointments, gels and sprays. They generally start to work within minutes of application with effects lasting anywhere from half an hour to several days depending on the indication. Side-effects are rare but can include skin irritation and allergies.

HOW TO APPLY MEDICATIONS ON THE SKIN

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

Put on clean gloves

Using a gloved hand or tongue blade, apply thin film of cream, ointment or lotion to the affected area

Avoid covering the area with bandages

Replace container top promptly

Remove and dispose of the gloves

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

NASAL MEDICATION

Nasal medication is a common way to treat a variety of ailments, from allergies and sinus infections to colds and flu. It works by delivering medication directly into the nose, where it can quickly enter the bloodstream and provide relief. Nasal medications may contain steroids, antihistamines, decongestants, antibiotics, or other ingredients depending on the condition being treated. Nasal sprays are easy to use and effective at relieving nasal symptoms like congestion and irritation, while nasal drops or gels can help with more severe or chronic conditions. Regardless of what type of nasal medication is used, it is important for individuals to always follow their doctor’s directions for use in order to ensure safe and effective treatment.

HOW TO ADMINISTER NASAL DROPS (MEDICATION THROUGH THE NOSE)

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

Put on clean gloves

Blow the nose gently to remove any excess nasal secretions

Tilt the head backwards while standing or sitting up or lie down and hang the head over the side of the bed

Do not let the dropper touch anything

Draw medicine into the dropper

Place the prescribed number of drops into the nostril

Remain in position for a few minutes

Rinse tip of dropper in hot water and dry with a tissue.

Replace the cap immediately

Remove and dispose of the gloves

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

HOW TO ADMINISTER NASAL SPRAYS

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

Put on clean gloves

Blow the nose gently to remove excess nasal secretions

With the head upright, spray medicine into each nostril

Breathe deeply, while squeezing bottle quickly and firmly

Spray the medication into the nostril as ordered by the doctor

Rinse sprayer in hot water and dry with a tissue

Replace the cap immediately

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

EAR DROPS

Ear drops are a common remedy used to treat ear infections, inflammation, and other conditions of the ear. They are typically formulated with active ingredients like antibiotics to fight infection and antihistamines to reduce inflammation. Ear drops can also contain other ingredients such as analgesics to reduce pain or antifungals to combat fungal infections. In addition, some ear drops have natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, garlic oil, and coconut oil that work to open up the eustachian tube and promote drainage from the ear. When used correctly, ear drops can reduce symptoms quickly and effectively.

HOW TO ADMINISTER EAR DROPS

Identify the ear to receive the medication

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

Put on clean gloves

Avoid letting dropper touch anything

Follow directions on label

Draw medicine into dropper

Tilt affected ear up or lay on a side

Pull the ear lobe up and back

Place the prescribed number of drops into the ear without inserting dropper into the ear

Keep the ear tilted back for a few minutes or insert a soft ball of cotton into outer ear to allow the drops to drain into the ear

Remove and dispose of the gloves

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

EYE MEDICATION

Eye medication is a vital component of eye health and vision care. When it comes to protecting and preserving your eyesight, having the right medication on hand can make all the difference in managing common ailments like dry eyes, infections, glaucoma, and more. Eye medications come in a variety of forms such as gels, ointments, drops, solutions, tablets and creams. Depending on the condition being treated, they may contain steroids or antibiotics to reduce swelling or fight bacteria; anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce redness and irritation; antifungal medicines to fight fungal infections; and lubricants to keep your eyes hydrated. Proper use of eye medications can help lessen the impact of eye diseases or conditions while also helping to maintain healthy vision for years to come.

HOW TO ADMINISTER EYE DROPS

Identify the eye to receive the medication

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

Put on clean gloves

Clean the eye with a warm moist cloth prior to administering the medication

Hold dropper tip in a downward position

Do not allow the dropper to touch anything, including the eyeball

Shake the bottle if indicated and draw desired amount of medication into dropper

Lay down or tilt the head backwards

Whilst using the index finger of one hand to pull the lower lid in a downward position, support the remaining fingers against the cheek

Use the other hand to place drop the prescribed number drops into the pocket of the lower eye lid

Keep the eyes closed for one to two minutes

If the medication is for glaucoma, press finger against inner corner of the eye and avoid blinking for one minute to prevent medication from entering the tear duct

Replace the cap

With the eye closed, use a tissue to gently wipe off the excess medication from the surrounding skin

Use a separate tissue for each eye

Remove and discard the gloves

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

Two or more eye medications must be administered 15 minutes apart

HOW TO ADMINISTER EYE OINTMENTS

Identify the eye to receive the medication

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

Put on clean gloves

Clean the eye with a warm moist cloth before applying the medication

Lay down or tilt the head backwards

Remove the cap and keep tip of the applicator from touching anything

Whilst using the index finger of one hand to pull the lower lid in a downward position, support the remaining fingers against the cheek

Use the other hand to apply a small amount of ointment into the pocket of the lower eyelid

Keep the eye(s) closed for one to two minutes

Wipe the tube with a clean tissue

Replace the cap immediately

Remove and dispose of the gloves

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

ORAL MEDICATION

Oral medication is an increasingly popular form of medication delivery. Oral medication can include pills, capsules, tablets, and liquids that are swallowed to deliver the necessary dose of a drug or supplement. Oral medications offer many advantages like improved patient compliance, easier absorption into the body than other methods, convenient dosing schedules, and reduced risk of infection since they are not injected directly into the bloodstream. They also have fewer side effects than injectable medicines since they travel through the digestive system instead of being absorbed directly into the blood stream. Furthermore, oral medications can be used for both acute and chronic illnesses. This makes them ideal for long-term treatment plans because of their effectiveness in managing symptoms over extended periods of time.

HOW TO ADMINISTER MEDICATION THROUGH THE MOUTH

Wash and dry the hands thoroughly

Gather the medications needed

Follow the instructions on the label

Take oral medications with a full (8oz.) glass of water or milk (if recommended)

Place the tablet, capsule or caplet or liquid in the mouth and swallow

Be sure to take each dose whole

Never crush or split a tablet or capsule without a doctor’s order

Do not mix medication into food or drink unless instructed by the physician and unless the individual is aware of the mixture

TERATOGENICITY

Teratogenicity is the capacity of a substance, such as medications known as teratogens, to cause damage to an embryo or fetus. These substances can be naturally occurring or synthetic. In some cases, exposure to these compounds during pregnancy can result in physical deformities and other complications for the developing baby. Safe medications are those that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have been proven to have no significant risk of causing birth defects. Unsafe medications are those that have not been approved by the FDA or that do not meet standards of safety or efficacy when taken during pregnancy. These drugs may carry a risk of causing harm to a developing fetus and should be avoided if possible. Pregnant women should always consult with their doctor before taking any new medication to ensure it is safe for them and their baby.

SAFE MEDICATIONS TO TAKE DURING THE PREGNANCY

Acetaminophen (such as paracetamol or Tylenol) for fever and pain

Penicillin and some other antibiotics

HIV medicines

Some allergy medicines, including loratadine and diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl)

Some medicines for high blood pressure (Methyldopa, Hydralazine, Labetalol)

Most asthma medicines

Some medicines for depression

UNSAFE MEDICATIONS TO TAKE DURING THE PREGNANCY

These medications increase the chance of miscarriage, birth defects or other problems

Bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol)

Avoid medication with Phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine, which are decongestants during the first trimester

Avoid cough and cold medicines that contain guaifenesin during the first trimester

Pain medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen (such as Advil and Motrin) and naproxen (such as Aleve)

The acne medicine isotretinoin (such as Amnesteem and Claravis)

ACE inhibitors, such as benazepril and lisinopril

Some medicines to control seizures, such as valproic acid

Some antibiotics, such as doxycycline and tetracycline

Methotrexate

Warfarin (such as Coumadin)

Lithium

Alprazolam (such as Xanax), diazepam (such as Valium)

Paroxetine (such as Paxil)

PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION

Carefully read and follow all directions on the medicine bottle and box.

Refrain from taking more than the recommended dose.

Avoid taking any medication which caused a past allergic reaction

If pregnant or breastfeeding seek medical advice before taking any medication besides acetaminophen

Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless the doctor approves.

Seek immediate medical care if

Signs of dehydration develop, such as being thirstier than usual or passing less urine.

Signs of infection develop.

Symptoms persist or become more severe or frequent.

Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling to the body develops after taking any medication

Questions to ask about medications:

Reason for prescribing the medication

The way the medication works

Length of time the medication has to be taken

Whether the medication can be taken with food

Foods or beverages to avoid when taking the medication

Whether the medication can be chewed, crushed, dissolved, or mixed with other medicines

Possible side effects to the medicine

The cost of the medication

Any alternatives to the medication

Interactions with other medications

Whether the medication will interfere with work or driving