Medication Dr Gill Jenkins The older you get, the more likely you are to need medication of some sort.

In this article

Taking medication correctly

Be organised

Help from your pharmacist

Many of us don't remember to take medication or take it in the wrong way. But if you don't take your medication properly, you're wasting time and money and could be putting your health at risk.

Remember the following when taking medication:

• Never take other people's medicine. It has been chosen to suit them, not you.
• Never take more than the stated dose. Many common drugs are dangerous in larger doses.
• Be careful when taking more than one type of medication. Interactions can have dangerous side-effects. If in doubt, talk to your pharmacist or GP.
• Many conditions, such as high blood pressure, are treated before you have any symptoms with the aim of preventing complications later, so taking the tablets is important even if you don't feel unwell.

If you take many different medications, mark them off on a calendar or ask your pharmacist for a multi-compartment box. These are marked with the days of the week and times.

If you've gradually acquired a variety of medications over time, it may be worth talking to your doctor to see which are still essential.

If you can't open childproof bootles or can't swallow pills, ask:

• For normal bottles or transfer your medication into well-marked bottles of your own
• If the medicine is available in liquid form
• If the capsules can be opened and sprinkled on food

Always wash pills down with plenty of water.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in July 2007.
First published in March 2000.