Taking Medicine

A spoonful of sugar may have made the medicine go down, but for many of us, taking medications can be difficult. According to the American Pharmaceutical Association, as we get older, the problems can be compounded. However, a number of strategies can make things a bit easier:

• if arthritis or other problems make it hard to twist small caps, ask the pharmacist for an oversized, easy-to-open bottle
• if vision problems are present, ask for large-type labels or use a magnifying glass
• if you tend to forget to take medication or get confused, use a medication dispenser that is marked in such a way as to help you remember which pills to take at which time of day

Changes as we age

Everyone should use precautions when taking medication to avoid potential drug interactions. But for seniors, there are additional considerations too. The National Institute on Aging says seniors can be more likely to be taking a number of different medications, leading to the potential for drug interactions. (Read about "Drug Interaction Precautions").

That's why it's essential to talk with your doctor before combining medications with each other, because of all the possible interactions. Our MEDICAL HISTORY FORM can help. This form contains the type of information your doctor needs to determine if there will be any potential problems with medications he/she may prescribe.

Simply click on the link for the form. Then, either fill it out online and print it, or print it out and fill it in by hand. Either way, please print multiple copies. Any information you enter will NOT be saved once you close the window. This is to protect your privacy. When you're done, simply close the form window, and continue using our site.

The form can help you tell your doctor about specifics in your medical history that are important. In addition, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - even if you've been using a certain medication for some time - as you get older, you may find that you're reacting differently to it. That's because age also leads to slower metabolisms, digestive system changes, and changes in kidney function, (Read about "Kidney Disease") all of which can affect how quickly and how well a drug is absorbed into the bloodstream.

That's why people should monitor their medications and how they feel while taking them on a regular basis. If you notice any changes in the way a particular medicine makes you feel, contact your doctor right away.

In addition, the FDA suggests that when a new medication is prescribed, seniors should ask their doctors questions such as:

• Will this affect the other medications I'm taking?
• Why is this being prescribed?
• When is the best time to take it and for how long?
• What foods should I avoid when taking this and should it be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
• Are there activities I should avoid while taking this medicine?
• Are there side effects and what should I do if they occur?
• What if I miss a dose?

The way you store your medications can also be important. (Read about "Your Medicine Cabinet") Above all, keep track of the way you feel when you're taking different medications and if you start to experience unusual symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

Related Information:

    Medication and Digestion

    Children & Prescriptions

    Drug Interaction Precautions