We live at a time when science is pursuing so many fields of research, and in the medical field so many more drugs and medications are available to improve our health. The growth of our population over the age of sixty-five can be due at least in part, to the availability of effective medicines and vaccines. The D.H.S.S. reports that during 1984 as many as 53 per cent of prescriptions dispensed in England were for women over the age of sixty and for men over sixty-five. Of course, it is only natural that older people have more long-term illnesses (such as arthritis, heart disease and hypertension). And it is not uncommon to have a number of disabilities or diseases at the same time for which you need to take a number of different medications. But have we become an over-medicated society?
Generally speaking, the elderly can have different reactions to medicines than the young or middle-aged, probably because of the decrease in the percentage of lean tissue (including muscle) and an increase in the percentage of fat. Consequently, these differences can affect the drug amount that is absorbed by body tissues and the length of time it remains in the body. Older people seem to have more undesirable reactions to drugs than younger people, probably because organs like the kidneys and the liver are working less efficiently, so that drugs (including alcohol) are slower to leave the body.
Prescription drugs are generally more powerful and may have more side reactions than over-the-counter medicines; and yet when large quantities of non-prescription drugs are taken, if they have strong ingredients, they might equal or exceed a dose available in a prescription. Some medicines (including antacids, alcohol, cold remedies, laxatives and vitamins) can create difficulties if overused or abused or taken in combination with prescription drugs, causing dizziness or drowsiness that could result in stumbling or falling. These few basic rules can help you use medicines, mineral and vitamin supplements more safely:
1. Before you have a new prescription, tell your doctor all the
other medicines you are taking, including oral contraceptives, insulin, non-prescription drugs and those prescribed by other doctors, plus vitamin and mineral supplements. If you are pregnant, a heavy smoker, or a heavy drinker, ask your doctor if there are any special foods, alcohol or aspirin to avoid, and if medicines should be with or between meals. Ask specifically what effect the new medication will have on your bone mineralization (especially if it is cortisone, an anticoagulant, anticonvulsant, tranquillizer or stimulant), and if additional calcium or vitamin supplements may be necessary.
Tell your doctor about previous adverse reactions you have had with medications (dizziness, rashes, indigestion, constipation, etc.). Know exactly what the medication is supposed to do for you, and ask about any side effects that may occur with a new prescription. Phone your doctor immediately if you have unusual effects.
Understand exactly what the dosage should be and how frequent, and take precisely the dosage your doctor prescribes. Oral contraceptives, oestrogens and a few other drugs usually have an information leaflet detailing risks and benefits. Read this brochure carefully.
Never take medicines prescribed for a relative or friend, or give your medication to anyone else, even though you may have similar symptoms or illness. Medicines can produce different effects in everyone.
Make a complete daily record of each drug and supplement you are taking, particularly if you are taking more than one. Note the name of the drug, the amount you take and the times of day for the dose, and don’t forget to tick off each dose as you take it.
Ask the chemist for easy-to-open containers if child-proof tops are difficult for you. Be sure to keep all medicines and supplements locked up and well out of the reach of children. Ask the pharmacist about any special storage requirements for the medicines you take, such as refrigeration.
Ask your chemist to put large type on the medicine label if you find the usual type difficult to read. Make sure you have the name of the medicine clearly on the label with the dosage
directions, and that you understand them. If you have any doubt that they are different from what your doctor has told you, mention this to your pharmacist or doctor.
Never put medicines into unlabelled containers. Fancy pill boxes are not always suitable.
Never take medicines at night without turning on the light. Be sure you can see clearly what you are taking and how much.
If you feel a medicine may be doing you more harm than good, don’t stop taking it without asking your doctor; he may want to change the dosage or substitute another medication that is more suitable to your changing needs.
Never resume taking a drug you happen to have in the medicine cabinet without checking with your doctor.
Many medications lose their strength and effectiveness over a period of time, so expiry dates should be carefully checked. Old medicines should be cautiously discarded and the labels clearly marked ‘Empty’ (to give peace of mind if children are found playing with the old jars or bottles).
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