Before you start
- The medicine’s packaging and patient information leaflet
- A list of all the medicines and supplements you take
Method 1 Read the label
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Step 1: Find the active ingredient
The active ingredient is the substance that does the work, such as paracetamol (called acetaminophen in the US), ibuprofen or cetirizine. The brand name is less important.
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Step 2: Check the strength
Look at how much is in each tablet, capsule or 5 ml spoon, for example 500 mg per tablet.
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Step 3: Read the directions
Check how much to take, how often, the maximum in 24 hours, and how long you can take it before seeing a doctor.
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Step 4: Read the warnings
Look for who shouldn’t take it (for example children, pregnant people, or people with certain conditions), side effects, and whether it causes drowsiness.
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Step 5: Check the expiry date
Don’t use medicines past their expiry date.
Method 2 Take it correctly
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Step 1: Measure accurately
Use the measuring spoon, syringe or cup that comes with liquid medicines, not a kitchen spoon.
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Step 2: Follow the timing
Leave the right gap between doses. Some medicines should be taken with food, others on an empty stomach.
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Step 3: Don’t double up
Many cold and flu remedies already contain paracetamol. Taking them with paracetamol tablets can lead to an overdose. For adults, the usual maximum for paracetamol is 4 g in 24 hours (for 500 mg tablets: 2 tablets up to 4 times a day, at least 4 hours apart), and less for some people.
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Step 4: Missed a dose?
Check the leaflet. Usually you take it when you remember, unless it’s nearly time for the next dose; never take a double dose to make up.
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Step 5: Finish courses as directed
Take antibiotics and other prescribed courses exactly as your prescriber says, and don’t share prescription medicines.
Method 3 Avoid interactions
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Step 1: Keep a medicines list
Write down every medicine, supplement and herbal remedy you take, with doses, and show it to your pharmacist or doctor.
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Step 2: Ask before mixing
Ask a pharmacist before combining medicines, including over-the-counter ones. Some, such as certain painkillers, antihistamines and herbal products, interact with prescriptions.
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Step 3: Be careful with alcohol
Alcohol can be dangerous with some medicines, including some painkillers, sleeping tablets and antibiotics. Check the label.
Method 4 Store and dispose of medicines safely
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Step 1: Store properly
Keep medicines in their original packaging in a cool, dry place, not in the bathroom, unless the label says to refrigerate.
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Step 2: Keep them out of reach
Store medicines high up and out of sight of children, ideally in a locked cabinet.
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Step 3: Dispose of them safely
Take unused or expired medicines back to a pharmacy. Don’t flush them or throw them in the bin unless local guidance says so.
Troubleshooting
I think I’m having side effects
Check the leaflet and speak to your pharmacist or doctor. Get urgent help for swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or a severe rash, which can be signs of an allergic reaction.
I keep forgetting doses
Use a weekly pill organiser, set phone reminders, or link doses to a daily habit such as brushing your teeth.
The tablet is hard to swallow
Ask your pharmacist whether it comes as a liquid or a smaller tablet. Don’t crush or split tablets unless the pharmacist says it’s safe.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take paracetamol and ibuprofen together?
Many adults can, as they work differently, but check with a pharmacist first, especially if you have other conditions or take other medicines.
Are expired medicines dangerous?
Some lose strength and a few can change. Don’t take them; return them to a pharmacy.
Can I stop my medicine when I feel better?
Not without checking. Some medicines, such as antibiotics, antidepressants and blood pressure tablets, should only be stopped as your prescriber advises.
Summary
Read the label and leaflet, check the active ingredient and strength, and take the dose and timing exactly as directed. Avoid doubling up on the same ingredient, tell your pharmacist everything you take, store medicines safely out of children’s reach, and return unused ones to a pharmacy.