Whether you are starting a new medication or checking in on something you’re currently taking, it is a good idea to ask your provider about it. Clarify dosage, confirm how often you should be taking, discuss side effects, and other options if you’re not happy with what has been suggested.
- Information about common medications, including how to understand doses, and why it is important to follow directions on how to take the medication (and finishing antibiotics).
- Read instructions on medication bottles carefully! Pay extra attention to the amount and frequency of doses. For example, there’s a difference between “take two tablets once daily” and “take one tablet twice daily,” even though in both cases you’re taking two pills a day.
- The instructions matter – it may be that your body is not able to absorb more than one pill’s worth at a given time, so in order to get the full amount you need to take it at two different times. Or it may be that two pills at once is too much for your body.
- Remember: if you were prescribed an antibiotic, it is important to always finish all of your antibiotics, even after the problem you’re taking antibiotics for may have gone away! Otherwise, the infection may come back and be more resistant to your antibiotics.
Here, you’ll find more information about medication instructions.
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