INTRODUCTION
| INTRODUCTION:
Curtsey from kspcdic.com |
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The pharmacy profession functions within a health
care system that is expanding rapidly in every dimension - number of
patients, work force, facilities, services and cost of therapy not
withstanding the efforts to control that growth. Pharmacy profession is
undergoing its own vigorous expansion worldwide. With pharmacists
working in different areas, including community pharmacy, home-care,
geriatric pharmacy, clinical practice specialties and research, there is
a need for such a growth in our country and steps taken by the
pharmacists in simple areas could prove to be vital by increasing the
influence, stature and respect for the profession. There are major
differences between providing information to patients and counseling
them. The provision of information to patients can be automated and done
very effectively by machines. Counseling, on the other hand, is the
skill of integrating drug information, patient information,
communication, and patient assessment. The following are the few
selected formulations wherein the patients need proper counseling from
the pharmacists, which will enable them to use safely, appropriately and
effectively.
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| Proper Use of Your Medicine:
Take
medicine only as directed, at the right time, and for the full length of
time presented by your health care provider. If you are using over-the
counter (nonprescription) medicine, follow the directions on the label,
unless otherwise directed by you health care provider. If you feel that
you medicine is not working for you, check with your health care
provider.
It is best to keep your
medicines tightly capped in their original containers when not in use.
Do not remove the label since directions for use and other special
information appear on it. To avoid mistakes, do not take medicine in the
dark. Always read the label before taking, nothing especially the
expiration date, if any, of the contents.
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| For oral (by mouth) medicines:
In
general, it is best to take oral medicines with a full glass of water.
However, follow you health care provider's directions. Some medicines
should be taken with food while others should be taken on an empty
stomach. When taking most long-acting forms of a medicine, each dose
should be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before
swallowing unless you have been specifically told that it is all right
to do so.
If you are taking liquid
medicines, you might consider using a specially marked measuring spoon
or other device to measure each dose accurately. Ask your pharmacist
about these devices. The average household teaspoon may not hold the
right amount of liquid.
Oral medicine may come in a
number of different dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, and liquids.
If you have trouble swallowing the dosage form prescribed for you, check
with your health care provider. There may be another dosage form that
would be better for you.
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| For skin patches:
Apply the
patch to a clean, dry skin area with little or no hair and free of
scars, cuts, or irritation. Remove the previous patch before applying a
new one. Apply a new patch if the first one becomes loose or falls off.
Apply each dose to a different area of skin to prevent skin irritation
or other problems.
Do not try to trim or cut the
adhesive patch to adjust the dosage. Check with your health care
provider if you think the medicine is not working, as it should.
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| For ophthalmic (eye) drops:
To prevent
contamination, do not let the eye drop applicator tip touch any surface
(including the eye) and keep the container tightly closed. How to apply:
First, wash hands, Tilt you head back and, with the index finger, pull
the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine
into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Do not blink. Keep your eyes
closed for 1 or 2 minutes.
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| For ophthalmic (eye) drops: If
you medicine is for glaucoma or inflammation of the eye:
With the
middle finger of the same hand, apply pressure to the inside corner of
the eye (and continue to apply pressure for 1 or 2 minutes after the
medicine has been placed in the eye). This will help prevent the
medicine from being absorbed into the body and causing side effects.
After applying the eye drops, wash you hands to remove any medicine that
may be on them. The bottle may not be full; this is to provide proper
drop control.
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| For ophthalmic (eye) ointments:
To prevent
contamination of the eye ointment. Do not let the applicator tip touch
any surface (including the eye). After using, wipe the tip of the
ointment tube with a clean tissue and keep the tube tightly closed.
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| How to apply:
First,
wash your hands. Pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a
pouch. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into the pouch. A 1-cum
(approximately 1/3-inch) strip of ointment is usually enough unless
otherwise directed. Gently close your eyes a keep them closed for 1 or 2
minutes. After applying the eye ointment, wash your hand to remove any
medicine that may be on them.
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| For nasal (nose) drops: How to
use:
Blow your
nose gently, without squeezing. Tilt your head back while standing or
sitting up or lie down on you back on a bed and hang your head over the
side. Place the drips into each nostril and keep your head titled back
for a few minutes to allow the medicine to spread throughout the nose.
Rinse the dropper with hot water and dry with clean tissue. Replace the
cap right after use. To avoid the spread of infection, do not use the
container for more than one person.
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| For nasal (nose) spray: How to
use:
Blow your
nose gently, without squeezing. With your head upright, spray the
medicine into each nostril. Sniff briskly while squeezing the bottle
quickly and firmly. Rinse the tip of the spray bottle with hot water.
Replace the cap right after cleaning. To avoid the spread of infection,
do not use the container for more than one person.
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| For otic (ear) drops:
To prevent
contamination of the ear drops, do not touch the applicator tip to any
surface (including the ear).
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How to apply:
First,
wash your hands. Lie down or tilt your head so that the ear into which
the medicine is to be placed faces up. (For children, gently pull the
ear lobe down and back to straighten the ear canal). Drop the medicine
into the ear canal. Keep the ear facing up for several minutes to allow
the medicine to run to the bottom of the ear canal. A sterile cotton
plug may be gently inserted into the ear opening to prevent the medicine
from leaking out.
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| For rectal cream or ointment:
Bathe and
dry the rectal area. Apply a small amount of cream or ointment and rub
it in gently. If your health care provider wants you to insert the
medicine into the rectum: First, attach the plastic applicator tip onto
the opened tube. Insert the applicator tip into the rectum and gently
squeeze the tube to deliver the cream. Remove the applicator tip from
the tube and wash hot, soapy water. Replace the cap of the tube after
use. Wash your hands after you have inserted the medicine.
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| For vaginal medicines: How to
insert the medicine:
First,
wash your hands. Use the special applicator. Follow any special
directions that are provided by the manufacturer. However, if you are
pregnant, check with your health care provider before using the
applicator to insert the medicine. Lie on you back with your knees drawn
up. Using the applicator, insert the medicine into the vagina as far as
you can without using force or causing discomfort. Release the medicine
by pushing on the plunger. Wait several minutes before getting up. Wash
the applicator and your hands with soap and warm water.
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| For inhalers:
Medicines
that come in inhalers usually come with patient directions. Read the
directions carefully before using the medicine. If you do not understand
the directions or if you are not sure how to use the inhaler, check with
your health care provider. Since different types of inhalers may not be
used the same way, it is very important to carefully follow the
directions given to you.
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Contact drug information center to know more information on usage of
inhalers |
| Storing Medications
Your
medications can keep you healthy or protect you from disease, Be good to
your medications by storing them in a cool, dry place, such as a closet
shelf. Use a high shelf if you have kids.
Make sure you are not storing
medications in your bathroom. Your drugs may deteriorate if they are
constantly exposed to the high heat and humidity of a bathroom.
Avoid storing medications in
your car -- particularly in your glove compartment. Temperatures can be
as much as 50 degrees higher than outside. If you must store medications
in your car, place them in an insulated container that is shielded from
direct sunlight.
As a safety precaution, store
medications in their original containers. That way you will not have any
questions about what medication you are taking or how to take it.
That way you will not have any
questions about what medication you are taking or how to take it.
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| Missed dose
In
general, if you miss a dose: - Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to
take your medicine and skip the missed dose. - You should not use two
doses at the same time. For more information , consult your health care
provider/pharmacist for more information.
Contact drug information center to know
more information on proper usage of drugs. |
| NOTE: This
information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical
advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a
health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare
provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or
concerns you may have regarding your condition. |
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