Always take your medicine as recommended. If in any doubt contact your doctor or pharmacist. | |  |
(e.g. use a medicine spoon, or only inhale the recommended number of puffs). It is important to take only the recommended dose of your medicine, as too much can be harmful and too little might prevent the medicine from working properly.For liquid medicines, remember to shake the bottle before measuring out the correct amount,as some liquid medicines may ‘settle’ at the bottom of the bottle. When your doctor says you should take your medicine 3 times a day space out the doses fairly evenly (e.g. in the morning, afternoon and before you go to bed). If your doctor tells you to take your medicine at a certain time of the day, follow this advice as it can be important with some blood pressure tablets and other medicines which work better at particular times of day.  Get tips on setting reminders around your house
If your doctor specifies taking your medicine with or after food, it is important that you follow these instructions. Some medicines such as certain anti-inflammatoriesshould be taken with, or after, food to avoid the possibility of stomach upsets. If you are advised to take your medicine on an empty stomach (as is commonly the case with antibiotics), it is probably because the medicine will be absorbed more quickly if the stomach is empty.
Don’t chew, crush or break tablets or capsules unless your doctor has told you to do so. Some medicines have a special coating and will not work properly unless they are swallowed whole. If you are unable to take tablets or capsules ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is an alternative which might be more suitable for you.
Don't stop taking your medicine or adjust the dose or change how often you take it without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist.
For example, if you have been prescribed antibiotics, you should make sure you complete the course, even if you feel better; if you don't, the bacteria causing the infection may not be completely destroyed and the infection could return. Many medicines need to be stopped slowly, with regular checks from a doctor to ensure there are no health problems. Furthermore, you should not stop taking your medicine even if you feel better, as your doctor may have prescribed it to prevent recurrences of your condition, e.g. migraine and asthma medicines. If you experience any side-effects or the medicine doesn't seem to be working as it should, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. He or she may be able to prescribe/recommend a different but equally effective medicine. |