Medication Safety Basics

Using Medications Safely

Medicines can relieve symptoms, treat the cause of a condition, and prevent complications, but they work best and most safely when used correctly. This overview offers general safety principles. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber and pharmacist, and never start, stop, or change a prescription medicine without medical advice.

• Take as directed: follow the dose, timing, and duration on the label, and finish a course of antibiotics even if you feel better.
• Keep a current list: note every prescription, over-the-counter drug, vitamin, and supplement you take, and share it at appointments.
• Watch for interactions: some medicines, foods, and supplements interact. Ask your pharmacist before adding anything new.
• Know the side effects: read the leaflet, and report severe or unexpected reactions to your clinician.
• Store and dispose safely: keep medicines away from children, and dispose of unused drugs through a take-back program.

Common Categories of Medication

• Pain relievers (analgesics): such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
• Antibiotics and antivirals: treat bacterial and viral infections.
• Antihypertensives: lower high blood pressure.
• Antidiabetic medicines: manage blood sugar.
• Anti-inflammatories and steroids: reduce inflammation.
• Mental health medicines: such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs.

A pharmacist is an excellent, accessible resource for questions about any medication.