Tabletwise - Knowledge on Medicines

WE GET EVERYTHING HERE ABOUT DRUGS

Proper Use of Medicines

Medicines can treat illnesses and alleviate symptoms, but they also give rise to adverse side effects. Improper use of medicines brings potential health hazards. Members of the public should therefore acquire knowledge on the efficacy of medicines and use them as instructed by doctors or pharmacists.

Patients should take medicines prescribed by their doctor according to the dosing schedule, and make no arbitrary increase or decrease on the frequency and dosage of medication. Overdose may lead to poisoning or even death, while underdose cannot relieve the medical conditions. You should attend follow-up appointments as scheduled, and tell your doctor clearly your reaction to the medication. The doctor will then, with reference to your medical conditions, make upward or downward adjustments to the dosage or switch to a more suitable medicine. Do not recommend to others the medicines prescribed by your doctor specifically for you because similar symptoms do not necessarily represent the same illness and physical conditions vary among individuals. Indiscriminate self-medication would not only delay the treatment but also bring about health risks due to adverse side effects.

Advice on Medication

Common side effects of medicines include nausea, constipation and dizziness. Not everyone would experience the same side effects, and most of them would subside after using the medicine for some time. If in doubt, consult a doctor, pharmacist or dispenser.

Various medicines may interfere with each other and some may subject to the influence of diet, and this is what we call “contraindications”. For example, tranquillisers should not be taken with alcoholic drinks. You should therefore tell your doctor during medical consultation what medicines you are taking and take note of the label instructions to avoid danger.