Always check the label carefully. The label clearly states how many pills to take, how often, and for how long.
For example, “Take one tablet twice daily” means you should take one pill in the morning and one in the evening. “Take one tablet every 12 hours” means the same thing.
Pay close attention to units. “mg” means milligrams. A common mistake is misreading dosages. Double-check the dosage and number of pills with a pharmacist or your doctor if unsure.
If your prescription instructs you to take a half-tablet, carefully split the pill using a pill cutter. Avoid breaking pills without a proper pill cutter to ensure an accurate dose.
Note any specific timing instructions. “Take with food” means the medication should be taken with a meal or snack. “Take on an empty stomach” means the medication should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after eating.
Follow the instructions exactly as written unless your doctor explicitly instructs otherwise. Never change the dosage or frequency without consulting a physician.
If you miss a dose, follow your doctor or pharmacist’s advice for how to proceed. Some medications have strict guidelines on missed doses, while others are less sensitive.
Keep your medications in a safe, dry place, away from children and pets. Use a pill organizer to help manage your medication schedule.
Discard expired medications as instructed by your pharmacist. Do not flush medications unless specifically instructed to do so by the packaging or your pharmacist. Contact your pharmacist for proper disposal.
