Health Topics for Aging

Nursing Homes/Care Centers

Geriatric Assessment Clinic

Taking medication

Older adults often have to take a number of medications. It is extremely important to keep track of medications and take them properly. Reactions or side effects of certain medications may imitate some diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. It is easy to think that a person, under these circumstances, may have that disease. If a reaction, side effect, or interaction, to a medication is suspected, do not stop taking any prescribed medication without talking with your healthcare provider.

Safety tips for taking medications:

• Always let your primary healthcare provider know when you are put on a new medication by another healthcare provider.
• Keep a list of all your medications, prescribed, over the counter, and any other drugs and their dosages, with you at all times. List herbal remedies and any other alternative therapies you are using. Each time you have contact with any of your healthcare providers, show this list.
• Do not take over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies without consulting your healthcare provider first.
• If you take several medications, use a chart or a pill organizer to help you.
• Never take medicine prescribed for someone else.
• Always finish the entire bottle of pills unless your healthcare provider has told you differently.
• Never stop taking a medicine suddenly without consulting the healthcare provider who prescribed it.
• Ask your pharmacy for an information sheet on each new medication.
• Look for expiration dates and flush away all outdated medicines.
• If you have problems reading regular sized type, ask for large print labels at your drugstore.
• Let your healthcare provider know if you drink alcohol and ask what medicines it might interact with.

If you have any unusual symptoms after starting a new medication, contact your healthcare provider immediately. This includes physical as well as emotional symptoms.

It can also be helpful to buy a book on medications that has been written for the general public. Do not forget, your pharmacist can answer any questions you may have about the medicine. You should know what it is used for, the side effects, the interactions with other medicines, and how to take your medications.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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