Medication Use

Definition
There are four main processes that occur from the initial process of entry thru excretion of a medication.

Processes
Absorption - how the drug travels from the point of entry into the bloodstream;
Distribution - how the drug is transported to its intended receptor site on the target organ;
Metabolism – how the utilized drug is broken down chemically to be more easily eliminated from the body; and
Excretion – the process of elimination of the drug metabolite (chemically broken down drug) from the body.

Caregiver Hot Tips
Normal aging changes may affect one or more of these processes. Following these tips may help prevent unintended side effects or adverse reactions.

1. Always keep a current list of all medications including the complete name, dose, route of administration, and reason for use on a sheet of paper carried in your wallet or purse at all times.



2. Update the medication list whenever a drug or dose is changed.



3. Share the medication list with every health care professional at the beginning of the visit. Offer the receptionist the list so a copy can be made and provided to your physician.



4. Try to use the same pharmacy for all prescriptions – they cross check current prescriptions for possible interactions whenever filling a prescription.



5. Always share your medication list with any pharmacist you go to when filling a prescription.



6. Pay attention to all warning labels on medication containers – foods or fluids or other medications to take or avoid, times to take medications and other specific instructions.- be sure to follow these labels.



7. Always ask questions regarding possible side effects.



8. Be sure you can open the container before you leave the pharmacy – if not ask for another type of container.



9. Read the product information that comes from the pharmacy.



10. Keep to a set schedule to assure compliance – take medications at the same time each day as prescribed to avoid missing doses that can result in ineffective utilization.



11. Never stop medications suddenly unless you experience an untoward reaction. Doing so can result in health consequences.



12. If you experience severe itching, hives, difficulty breathing or other severe side effects when taking a medication seek medical treatment immediately.



13. Ask your physician to explain how the medications you take affect your health problem.
    
    
14. Ask the physician to explain the signs and symptoms of possible side effects that may occur initially when taking a new drug and how long these side effects might last.
    
    
15. Whenever medication changes are considered by your physician, it is always best to change only one medication at a time in order to know the impact that medication makes.  Changing more then one medication at a time makes it more difficult to determine which medication may be affecting the outcome.