Great Info Tips

We all buy these, the ones you can get in the drug store, grocery, or those large discount stores. But we need to keep in mind a few safety factors. Over the counter medicines are powerful and can cause problems with other medications you are taking. Misuse of over the counter medicines cause thousands of hospitalizations each year. You need to be cautious when you chose any medication.

If you are buying an over the counter medication, try to keep in mind to purchase it just for the exact symptoms you have. Don’t mix two drugs with the same active ingredient. If you aren’t sure, call your doctor or ask the pharmacist, making sure you inform them of the medications you are currently taking. Too much of one ingredient can cause major health problems.

For children, use the right cough syrup. Don’t give them adult cough medications. Don’t guess at the dosage. If the cough syrup comes with a measuring device, use it! Kitchen spoons aren’t accurate enough to dispense medication. You also need to know how much your child weighs before giving medication. Make sure your at home scale is accurate.

Last, but not least, toss those expired medications! Check expiration dates on the bottles. Don’t keep these medications. Over time they lose their strength and won’t benefit you. When you do toss expired medications out, please make sure no animals or children can get them.