Directions Can Be Confusing
In order for medications to be most effective, they need to be taken properly. Here are common examples of directions that could be mishandled.
1) Take one tablet by mouth four times a day.
This means you will be taking one tablet about every 5 to 6 hours. Sometimes with this direction, people would take it sporadically maybe once in the morning, once maybe 2-3 hours later, one 4 hours later, and another one 3 hours later. In order for your medications to have the best effect at treating your illness or symptoms, it is best to space them out as evenly as possible.
2) Take one tablet by mouth three times a day.
This means you will be taking one tablet about every 7 to 8 hours. The same reasoning applies as the first example.
3) Take one teaspoon (5ml) by mouth daily.
This means you will be taking one teaspoon or 5 ml (milliliters) about every 24 hours. You should not be using a small spoon to measure the medication. Spoons come in all shapes and sizes and most do not measure exactly one teaspoon. Common kitchen measuring spoons may have different volume capacity from one type to another. To be most consistent, you should use ask your pharmacy for something to measure out the 5 ml such as a dropper or spoon. Also, since the directions says daily, this means if you take your medication at 3pm in the afternoon, you should be taking the medication again around 3pm the next day. In order for a medication to have the best effect, it should be timed appropriately and measured accurately.
*When taking medications orally, you might have to take it with food or on an empty stomach. Consult with your pharmacist to make sure you are taking your medication appropriately.
*Certain birth controls, insulin pens, eye drops, ear drops, and powders have their own unique instructions and guidelines as well. The best thing to do if the directions aren't clear is to talk to your pharmacist. Even if you just want to be extra sure, feel free to talk to your pharmacist who will be able to provide insight that you may not have gotten otherwise.
1) Take one tablet by mouth four times a day.
This means you will be taking one tablet about every 5 to 6 hours. Sometimes with this direction, people would take it sporadically maybe once in the morning, once maybe 2-3 hours later, one 4 hours later, and another one 3 hours later. In order for your medications to have the best effect at treating your illness or symptoms, it is best to space them out as evenly as possible.
2) Take one tablet by mouth three times a day.
This means you will be taking one tablet about every 7 to 8 hours. The same reasoning applies as the first example.
3) Take one teaspoon (5ml) by mouth daily.
This means you will be taking one teaspoon or 5 ml (milliliters) about every 24 hours. You should not be using a small spoon to measure the medication. Spoons come in all shapes and sizes and most do not measure exactly one teaspoon. Common kitchen measuring spoons may have different volume capacity from one type to another. To be most consistent, you should use ask your pharmacy for something to measure out the 5 ml such as a dropper or spoon. Also, since the directions says daily, this means if you take your medication at 3pm in the afternoon, you should be taking the medication again around 3pm the next day. In order for a medication to have the best effect, it should be timed appropriately and measured accurately.
*When taking medications orally, you might have to take it with food or on an empty stomach. Consult with your pharmacist to make sure you are taking your medication appropriately.
*Certain birth controls, insulin pens, eye drops, ear drops, and powders have their own unique instructions and guidelines as well. The best thing to do if the directions aren't clear is to talk to your pharmacist. Even if you just want to be extra sure, feel free to talk to your pharmacist who will be able to provide insight that you may not have gotten otherwise.