Introduction to

Pharmacology and
Nursing Practice
Nurses play a vital role in medication
management and patient safety

 Administer medications (oral, injectable,

topical)
 Monitor patients for therapeutic effects and
adverse reactions (changes in vital signs,
allergic reactions)
 Educate patients about their medications
(proper use, potential side effects)
 Knowledge of
pharmacology enables
nurses to:
 Make informed decisions about medication
administration (dosing, timing, route)
 Recognize and respond to medication-related
issues (adverse reactions, interactions)
 Collaborate effectively with other healthcare
professionals (physicians, pharmacists)
The 10 Rights of
Medication
Administration
1. Right patient

Check the name on the

prescription and wristband.
Ideally, use 2 or more
identifiers and ask the patient
to identify themselves.
2. Right medication

 Check the name of the medication,

brand names should be avoided.
 Check the expiry date.
 Check the prescription.
 Make sure medications, especially
antibiotics, are reviewed regularly.
3. Right dose

Check the prescription.

If necessary, calculate the dose
and have another nurse calculate
the dose as well.
4. Right route

 Again, check the order and

appropriateness of the route prescribed.
 Confirm that the patient can take or
receive the medication by the ordered
route.
5. Right time

 Checkthe frequency of the prescribed

medication.
 Double-check that you are giving the
prescribed at the correct time.
 Confirm when the last dose was given.
6. Right patient education

Check if the patient understands

what the medication is for.
Make them aware they should
contact a healthcare professional if
they experience side-effects or
reactions.
7. Right documentation

 Ensure you have signed for the

medication AFTER it has been
administered.
 Ensure the medication is prescribed
correctly with a start and end date if
appropriate.
8. Right to refuse

 Ensureyou have the patient consent to

administer medications.
 Beaware that patients do have a right
to refuse medication if they have the
capacity to do so.
9. Right assessment

 Checkyour patient actually needs the

medication.
 Check for contraindications.
 Baseline observations if required.
10. Right evaluation

Ensure the medication is working

the way it should.
Ensure medications are reviewed
regularly.
Ongoing observations if required.
Common
Measurement
Conversions
 1 gram (g) = 1000 milligrams (mg)  1 tablespoon = 15 cubic centimeter (cc) = 15
milliliters (ml)
 1 kilogram (kg) = 1000 grams (g)
 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoon
 1 microgram (mcg) = .001 milligram (mg)
 1 ounce = 30 cc = 30 ml = 2 tablespoons = 6
 1 milligram = 1000 microgram (mcg) teaspoons
 1 liter (L) = 1000 milliliters (ml)  8 ounces = 240 cc = 240 ml = 1 cup
 1 milliliter (ml) = 1 cubic centimeter (cc)  1 milliliter (ml) = 15 minims (M) = 15 drops (gtt)
 1 meter = 100 centimeters (cm)  5 milliliters (ml) = 1 fluidram = 1 teaspoon
  15 milliliters (ml) = 4 fluidrams = 1 tablespoon
1 meter = 1000 millimeters (mm)
  30 milliliters (ml) = 1 ounce (oz) = 2 tablespoons
1 cubic centimeter (cc) = 1 milliliter (ml)
 500 milliliters (ml) = 1 pint (pt)
 1 teaspoon = 5 cubic centimeter (cc) = 5
milliliters (ml)  1000 milliliters (ml) = 1 quart (qt)
 Prescription
Abbreviations and their
Medical Meanings
 Time and frequency
abbreviations
 ā: Before (Latin: ante). Indicates that medication should be taken before something, typically a meal.
For example, "medication ā breakfast" means the medication should be taken before breakfast.
 ac: Before meals (Latin: ante cibum). Indicates medication should be taken before a meal to ensure
effectiveness or reduce side effects.
 achs: Before meals and at bedtime (Latin: ante cibum et hora somni). Indicates that medication
should be taken before each meal and also at bedtime.
 bid: Twice a day (Latin: bis in die). Indicates medication should be taken twice daily at evenly spaced
intervals, typically every 12 hours, for maximum therapeutic benefit.
 c̅: With (Latin: cum). Indicates that medication should be taken together with something else, such
as food or another medication.
 HS: At bedtime (Latin: hora somni). Indicates medicine should be taken before sleep at bedtime,
ensuring effectiveness overnight or minimizing drowsy or sleep-related side effects. Best practice:
Use upper case HS; lower case “hs” may be mistaken for half-strength.

 Time and frequency
abbreviations
 p̄: After (Latin: post). Indicates that medication should be taken after an event. For example, "medications p̄ dialysis" means
medications should be taken after dialysis.
 p.c: After meals (Latin: post cibum). Indicates to take the medicine after a meal.
 P.M: In the evening (Latin: post meridiem). Indicates to take the medicine in the evening.
 PMH: Past medical history. Typically a listing of former/current medical conditions experienced by the patient, for example:
hypertension, depression or type 2 diabetes.
 PRN: as needed (Latin: pro re nata). Indicates that medication should be taken only when necessary; for example, for relief of
symptoms such as pain, anxiety, or allergies instead of a regular schedule.
 Stat: Immediately (Latin: statim). Indicates medication should be taken right away.
 qd, QD**: Every day (Latin: quaque die). Indicates medication should be taken once daily. Best practice: Avoid using qd;
instead write "daily" to avoid confusion with qid (four times a day).
 qh: Every hour (Latin: quaque hora). Take or use every hour.
 qhs: Every night at bedtime (Latin: quaque hora somni). Indicates that medication should be taken every night at bedtime
and before sleep. Best practice: Spell out "every night at bedtime" to ensure clarity and avoid confusion with qh (every hour).
 qid, QID: Four times a day (Latin: quater in die). Indicates medication should be taken four times daily at evenly spaced
intervals, typically every six hours, for optimal effectiveness.
 Time and frequency
abbreviations
 q6h: Every 6 hours (Latin: quaque 6 hora). Indicates medication should be taken every six hours.
 qod, q.o.d, QOD, Q.O.D**: Every other day (Latin: quaque altera die). Indicates medication should be taken every other day.
Best practice: Spell out "every other day" to avoid confusion with qd (every day) or qid (four times daily).
 qs: As much as needed; a sufficient quantity (Latin: quantum satis).
 S̅: Without (Latin: sine). Denotes the medicine should be taken without something, such as, without food. For example,
"medication s̅ food" means the medication should be taken without food. May also be abbreviated “w/o”.
 s/p, sp: Status post (Latin: status post). Indicates a condition or procedure that occurred in the past, such as after surgery or
an event. Best practice: Spell out "status post" to ensure clarity and avoid confusion in medical documentation.
 TID, t.i.d: Three times a day (Latin: ter in die). Indicates medication should be taken three times daily at evenly spaced
intervals, usually every eight hours, for optimal effectiveness.
 qam: Every morning (Latin: quaque die ante meridiem). Used on prescriptions to indicate medication should be taken once
every morning (before noon), typically to ensure the medication works throughout the day.
 q8h: Every 8 hours (Latin: quaque 8 hora). Indicates medication should be taken every eight hours.
 q12h: Every 12 hours (Latin: quaque 12 hora). Indicates medication should be taken every twelve hours.
 ud, ut dict, UD: As directed (Latin: ut dictum). Indicates to take medicine according to the specific instructions provided by
the healthcare provider.
 Dosage form and route
abbreviations
 1/2 tablet: One-half tablet. Best practice: Spell out "half tablet" or use reduced font-size fractions (½ tablet).
 AD: Right ear. Best practice: Spell out "right ear"; may be mistaken for OD (right eye).
 AS: Left ear. Best practice: Spell out "left ear"; may be mistaken for OS (left eye).
 AU: Each ear or both ears (Latin: auris utraque). Best practice: Spell out "each ear"; may be mistaken for OU (each
eye).
 BSA: Body surface area. An estimate of the surface area of a person's body based on body weight and height. May
be used to determine an individual’s drug dose, for example, with chemotherapy drugs.
 cap: Capsule (Latin: capsula). Indicates medication is in capsule form. Best practice: Spell out "capsule" to avoid
confusion with cancer of the prostate (CAP).
 cr, crm: Cream. Best practice: Spell out cream as “cr” may be confused with “CR” (controlled release).
 D/C, dc, or disc: Discontinue or discharge. Best practice: Spell out "discontinue" or "discharge" to avoid confusion.
 EC: Enteric coated. A type of medication coating designed to prevent the drug from dissolving in the stomach.
Instead, it dissolves in the intestines, which helps to protect the stomach lining from irritation or to ensure the
medication is absorbed in the correct part of the digestive system. For example: enteric coated aspirin (EC
 Dosage form and route
abbreviations
 elix: Elixir. Typically a sweet liquid composed of water, alcohol and flavorings used to compound medicines into
an oral liquid form.
 garg: Gargle. Indicates medicine should be gargled with orally in the mouth and throat area.
 tab: Tablet. Indicates medication is in tablet form.
 Inj, IJ: Injection (Latin: injectio). Indicates medication is administered via a needle. Best practice: Spell out
"injection" to avoid confusion with intrajugular or intravenous (IV).
 IM: Intramuscular. Indicates medication is injected into a muscle.
 IN, NAS: Intranasal. Indicates the medication is administered through the nose, for example, intranasal
corticosteroid sprays like Flonase or Nasacort. Best practice: Use all uppercase "NAS" or spell out "intranasal" to
avoid confusion with IV or IM.
 IR: Immediate-release. Indicates medicine moves into the bloodstream quickly, compared to a delayed- or
extended-release dosage form.
 IUD: Intrauterine device. A long-lasting contraceptive device inserted by a healthcare provider into the uterus to
help prevent pregnancy.
 Dosage form and route
abbreviations
 IVP: Intravenous push. Denotes an injection that quickly delivers a single dose of medicine directly into the bloodstream.
 LA: Long-acting. Indicates a medicine that works for a long period of time and may slowly release the drug into the
bloodstream.
 liq: Liquid.
 lot: Lotion. Indicates a medicine dosage form typically applied to the skin.
 NGT: Nasogastric tube. Thin plastic tube inserted through the nose, down the throat and into the stomach. May be used
for nutrition, medication delivery or to give fluids when the patient cannot tolerate oral administration.
 NPO: Nothing by mouth. Best practice: Spell out "nothing by mouth".
 OC: Oral contraceptive. Indicates a birth control pill taken by mouth
 OD: Right eye (Latin: oculus dexter). Best practice: Spell out "right eye"; may be confused with overdose or once daily.
 OS: Left eye (Latin: oculus sinister). Best practice: Spell out "left eye"; may be mistaken for AS (right ear).
 OU: Both eyes (Latin: oculus uterque). Best practice: Spell out "each eye"; may be mistaken for AU (each ear).
 per neb: By nebulizer. Indicates medicine should be inhaled by a nebulizer device.
 per os: By mouth. Best practice: Spell out "by mouth" or "orally"; can be mistaken as OS (left eye) per FDA.
 Dosage form and route
abbreviations
 PO, p.o: By mouth or orally. Indicates that medication should be taken through the mouth. Best practice: Spell out "by mouth" or
"orally" to avoid confusion.
 PV: Per vagina. Denotes the medication is inserted into and administered via the vagina.
 PR: Per rectum. Indicates medication is administered via the rectum.
 SL: Sublingual. Indicates medication is placed under the tongue to dissolve and be absorbed into the bloodstream.
 sol: Solution, in solution. Indicates a medicine in a liquid preparation containing one or more drug substances dissolved in a solvent.
 supp: Suppository. A suppository is a solid dosage form of medicine, often in bullet or oblong shape, that is inserted into the rectum,
vagina or urethra to deliver the medicine. One common example is a bisacodyl (Dulcolax) suppository used for constipation.
 susp: Suspension. A suspension is a liquid dosage form of medicine with solid particles suspended in a liquid solution. One common
example is amoxicillin suspension used for infections.
 syr: Syrup. A syrup is an oral liquid medicine that contains a high content of sugar. An example is guaifenesin / dextromethorphan
(Robitussin) cough syrup.
 SQ, SC, sub q: Subcutaneous. Denotes an injection given by a needle just under the skin. Best practice: Use caution as SC can be
mistaken for SL (sublingual) per FDA.
 tinct, tr: Tincture. A tincture is a type of medicine that is made by dissolving a substance in alcohol. An example is tincture of iodine,
an antiseptic used on the skin to help prevent an infection from cuts, abrasions or burns.
 Dosage form and route
abbreviations
 Troche: a lozenge (Latin: trochiscus). An oral dosage form that contains medicine and is allowed to
dissolve in the mouth or on the tongue.
 top: Topical. Typically means on the outside of the body (usually applied to the skin). An example is
topical creams like hydrocortisone.
 ung: Ointment (Latin: unguentum). An ointment is a dosage form that is made from an oily
substance (for example petroleum jelly or anhydrous lanolin) to be applied to the skin. Ointments
may act locally on the skin or be absorbed. A common example is triple antibiotic ointment
(neomycin sulfate, polymixin B sulfate and bacitracin; brand name: Neosporin) used to help prevent
infections in minor cuts and wounds.
 XL, XR, XT: Extended-release. Indicates medication is formulated to release slowly over time.
 Common medication
abbreviations
 5-ASA: 5-aminosalicylic acid. Best practice: Spell out full drug name; may be misinterpreted as “5
aspirin tablets”.
 APAP: Acetaminophen. Best practice: Spell out "acetaminophen"; not everyone is familiar with the
abbreviation APAP.
 ASA: Aspirin. Best practice: Spell out "aspirin" to avoid confusion.
 AZT: Zidovudine. Best practice: Spell out "zidovudine"; can be mistaken for azithromycin,
azathioprine, or aztreonam.
 CPZ: Compazine (generic: prochlorperazine). Best practice: Spell out "Compazine"; can be
misinterpreted as chlorpromazine.
 CR: Controlled release. A controlled release formulation releases medicine at a predictable rate to
achieve optimal, known drug concentrations in the blood.
 DR: Delayed release. Indicates medication is formulated to release the medicine after taking it, often
in a special part of the digestive tract. For example, enteric coated (EC) aspirin is designed to release
 Common medication
abbreviations
 ER: Extended release or emergency room. Extended release dosage forms release the medicine more slowly and it lasts
longer, which means you may only need to take the medicine once per day instead of two or three times. Best practice: Spell
out intended meaning to lessen confusion.
 Fe: Iron. Iron is a common dietary mineral needed by your body for growth and development. It helps to make hemoglobin, a
part of your red blood cells.
 HCT: Hydrocortisone. A common cortisone cream sold over-the-the-counter in lower strength in the U.S. Used to help lessen
redness, swelling an itching on the skin. Best practice: Spell out "hydrocortisone"; can be mistaken for hydrochlorothiazide.
 HCTZ: Hydrochlorothiazide. A common diuretic medicine (“water pill”) to help lower water retention (edema) and blood
pressure in the body. Best practice: Spell out "hydrochlorothiazide"; can be mistaken for hydrocortisone.
 K: Potassium. An essential mineral (often called an electrolyte) found in foods and drinks and required by the body. Potassium
supports fluid levels inside the cells, muscle function, and normal blood pressure.
 KOH: Potassium hydroxide. Healthcare providers may use the KOH preparation test to diagnose a possible fungal infection.
Also a caustic chemical (potash) also used in manufacturing.
 MgSO4**: Magnesium sulfate. A naturally occurring mineral important for muscles and nerve function in the body. Magnesium
sulfate also increases water in the intestines and may be useful for constipation. May be given by intravenous infusion in the
hospital to help prevent seizures of preeclampsia or eclampsia. Magnesium sulfate granules are often called epsom salts
(bath salts for soaking). Best practice: Spell out "magnesium sulfate" per Joint Commission's "Do Not Use" List; can be
 Common medication
abbreviations
 MSO4**: Morphine sulfate. A potent opioid medicine that may be used to treat severe pain. Best practice: Spell out
"morphine sulfate" per Joint Commission's "Do Not Use" List; can be confused with magnesium sulfate (MgSO4).
 NDC: National Drug Code. The National Drug Code is a unique 10- or 11-digit, 3-segment number, and a universal
product identifier for human drugs in the United States. The 3 segments of the NDC identify the labeler, the product,
and the commercial package size.
 NSAID: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. An NSAID is a commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription
medicine used to treat inflammation, pain and fever. A common example is ibuprofen (brands: Advil, Motrin).
 SNRI: Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. A class of antidepressant medication. A common U.S. example is
venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR). Best practice: Spell out “serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor” to avoid
confusion.
 SSRI: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. A class of antidepressant medication. A common U.S. example is sertraline
(Zoloft). Best practice: Spell out “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor” to avoid confusion.
 SR: Sustained release. SR Indicates a slower release and absorption of the drug with lower peak blood levels to help
lessen side effects. One example is the antidepressant Wellbutrin SR (bupropion extended-release tablets) which can
help reduce the risk of seizures with doses that are too high.
 TSH: Thyroid stimulating hormone. TSH is a hormone in the body produced by the pituitary gland. It helps to stimulate
 Measurement and quantity
abbreviations
 cc: Cubic centimeter. Cubic centimeter is a metric measurement of volume. A cubic centimeter is
also equal to one millimeter. Best practice: Use "mL" instead because "cc" can be mistaken for "u"
(units).
 g: Gram. Gram is a metric measurement of mass.
 gr: Grain. An older unit for measurement equal to 0.065 grams. Best practice: Can be mistaken for
gram; use the metric system.
 gtt, gtts: Drop, drops. A dose description often used on a prescription for eye or ear medicines. For
example, “instill 2 drops into the right ear”. Best practice: Use "drop" or "drops" because “gtt” can
be confused with GTT for glucose tolerance test.
 h, hr: Hour. A unit of time equal to 60 minutes.
 IU**: International unit. A unit used to measure the activity of substances like hormones, enzymes,
fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E and K), insulin and other medications. An International Unit is the
amount of a substance that has a certain biological effect. Best practice: Spell out "units"; IU can be
mistaken for IV (intravenous) or the number 10.
 Measurement and quantity
abbreviations
 Mcg or ​µg: Microgram. A metric unit of mass measurement equal to one thousandth of a milligram. Some
medications are dosed in micrograms, for example, Actiq (fentanyl) transmucosal lozenge, a medicine used to
treat "breakthrough" cancer pain not controlled by other medicines is dosed in micrograms. Best practice:
Spell out "microgram" to avoid confusion with "mg" (milligram).
 mg: Milligram. A metric measurement of mass and used commonly in drug dosing, for example “take 150 mg
by mouth twice a day.” There are 1,000 milligrams in one gram.
 mL: Milliliter. A metric measurement of volume and used commonly in drug dosing, for example “take 5 mL (1
teaspoonful) by mouth each morning.” Best practice: Use lower case "m" and upper case "L" for clarity (mL).
 mm: Millimeter. A metric measurement of length. There are 1,000 millimeters in a meter and 10 millimeters in
a centimeter.
 vol: Volume. A unit of measurement equal to the amount of space an object takes up. For example, one cup (8
ounces) of water has a volume of 240 mL.
 oz: Ounce. A fluid ounce is a liquid measure equal to 29.57 mL (often rounded up to 30 mL). An ounce is also
equal to 28.35 grams (often rounded to 30 grams) when measuring mass. A common prescription
abbreviation used in dosing or quantities.
 Measurement and quantity
abbreviations
 Tbsp, T or tbs: Tablespoon. A tablespoon (or tablespoonful) is a measure equal to 15 mL or 1/2 of one
fluid ounce. A common prescription abbreviation used to dose liquid medicines.
 Tsp or t: Teaspoon. A teaspoon (or teaspoonful) is equal to 5 mL or 1/3 of a tablespoon. A common
prescription abbreviation used to dose medicines.
 U or u**: Unit. A common prescription abbreviation used to dose medicines like insulin. Best practice:
Spell out "unit"; can be mistaken for "0" (zero), "4" (four), or "cc".
 Lack of leading zero (.X mg)**: Indicates a dose without a leading zero before the decimal point. Best
practice: Write "0.X mg" to avoid dosage errors.
 Trailing zero (X.0 mg)**: Indicates a dose with an unnecessary trailing zero. Best practice: Write "X
mg" to avoid misinterpretation; the decimal point may be missed.
 Common medical conditions
 CAD: Coronary artery disease. A narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the
heart. Also commonly known as heart disease or atherosclerosis.
 DM: Diabetes mellitus. A long-term medical condition marked by persistently high blood sugar (glucose) levels, little
or no insulin production from the pancreas (to help regulate blood sugar), resistance to insulin (your body does not
respond to insulin), or a combination of effects. Diabetes mellitus includes both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
 DVT: Deep vein thrombosis. A blood clot that forms in deep veins areas like the legs, thighs, hips, and arms,
preventing normal blood flow. May cause pain and swelling and lead to a dangerous blood clot in the lung pulmonary
embolism (PE).
 GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Commonly called heartburn or acid indigestion. Symptoms may include a
burning sensation and tightness in the mid-chest and digestive acids that flow backwards into the esophagus.
 GI: Gastrointestinal. Related to the stomach and digestive tract area. Includes the mouth, pharynx (throat),
esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.
 GU: Genitourinary. Related to the urinary and reproductive organs. May include the kidney, bladder, testes, prostate
gland, ureters, urethra, vagina, uterus or cervix, among others.
 HTN: Hypertension. Also commonly known as high blood pressure. High blood pressure makes your heart work much
harder and can lead to heart damage. Typically defined as a blood pressure measurement of over 130/80 mmHg.
 Common medical conditions
 N&V: Nausea and vomiting. Feeling sick to your stomach, which may result in expulsion of stomach
contents through the mouth. May occur due to a viral or bacterial infection like gastroenteritis (“stomach
flu) or food poisoning.
 PE: Pulmonary embolism. A dangerous clot (embolus) that can travel to your lung arteries and cause a
blockage. May be caused by blood, fat, air or tumor cells. Maybe originate from a deep vein thrombosis
(DVT)
 RA: Rheumatoid arthritis. Long-term inflammatory disease that can occur in areas like the fingers, hands,
wrists, feet, knees, ankles, hips and shoulders. causes pain, stiffness, warmth, redness and swelling in
joints. Eventually, the affected joints may become deformed and damaged, especially without medical
treatment.
 UTI: Urinary tract infection. A urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria that get inside your urinary tract,
which includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
 MD: Muscular dystrophy or Medical doctor. Muscular dystrophy is an inherited disease that causes muscle
weakness and loss of muscle function, leading to trouble with walking, eating, drinking, or breathing. MD for
medical doctor typically comes after a physician’s name, except when the doctor is a DO (doctor of
Types of medicines
Most medicines come in a variety
of types or formats. Be aware,
though, that some medicines
(particularly rare or unusual ones)
only come in one type. Also, some
may be more effective in one type
than another.
Liquid

 The active part of the medicine is

combined with a liquid to make it easier
to take or better absorbed. A liquid may
also be called a ‘mixture’, ‘solution’ or
‘syrup’. Many common liquids are now
available without any added colouring
or sugar.
Tablet

 The active ingredient is combined with

another substance and pressed into a
round or oval solid shape. There are
different types of tablet. Soluble or
dispersible tablets can safely be
dissolved in water.
Capsules

 The active part of the medicine is contained

inside a plastic shell that dissolves slowly in
the stomach. You can take some capsules
apart and mix the contents with your child’s
favourite food. Others need to be swallowed
whole, so the medicine isn’t absorbed until
the stomach acid breaks down the capsule
shell.
Topical medicines

 These are creams, lotions or ointments

applied directly onto the skin. They
come in tubs, bottles or tubes
depending on the type of medicine. The
active part of the medicine is mixed
with another substance, making it easy
to apply to the skin.
Suppositories

 The active part of the medicine is

combined with another substance and
pressed into a ‘bullet shape’ so it can
be inserted into the bottom.
Suppositories mustn't be swallowed.
Drops

 These are often used where the active

part of the medicine works best if it
reaches the affected area directly. They
tend to be used for eye, ear or nose.
Inhalers

 The active part of the medicine is

released under pressure directly into the
lungs. Young children may need to use a
‘spacer’ device to take the medicine
properly. Inhalers can be difficult to use
at first so your pharmacist will show you
how to use them.
Injections

 There are different types of injection, in how

and where they're injected. Subcutaneous or
SC injections are given just under the surface
of the skin. Intramuscular or IM injections are
given into a muscle. Intrathecal injections are
given into the fluid around the spinal cord.
Intravenous or IV injections are given into a
vein. Some injections can be given at home
but most are given at your doctor’s surgery
or in hospital.
Implants or patches

 These medicines are absorbed through

the skin, such as nicotine patches for
help in giving up smoking, or
contraceptive implants.
Medication Management
and Safety Tips
Follow medication schedules and
doses

 Understand your medication routine. Confirm

the exact dose and timing of each medication
with your pharmacist. Follow the schedule
exactly, and take the exact dose prescribed. If
needed, remember which medications need to
be taken on an empty stomach or with food.
 Double check information with your pharmacist.
Verify your information with your pharmacist
each time you fill or start a new prescription to
 Write down the medication schedule and
track changes. Place your daily medication
routine on a calendar or chart. Printable
medication schedule templates are available
online to make it easier for you. Update your
schedule each time your medicine changes.
 Keep your schedule in an obvious place. Try
putting the schedule in a place you see often,
like the door of your refrigerator or of a
Manage medications safely

 Store medicines in a proper location. Medication should always be stored

safely in a dry, cool place. For this reason, avoid keeping prescriptions in
the bathroom.
 Keep medicine in a childproof place. If children are around, keep medicine
containers out of reach, especially those without childproof caps. Some
medicines have bright colors and shapes that children can mistake as
candy.
 Take medicine in a safe environment. Never take medicine in the dark or
when you are tired or distracted. You might take the wrong medicine or
too much. Ask for help, if needed, to find and take the correct medicine.
 Ask your pharmacist before drinking alcohol. Some medications interact
poorly with alcohol. Ask your physician or pharmacist if it is safe to drink
while taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine.
Proper Disposal of Expired or
Discontinued Medication

 Some medicines are harmful and could be fatal if

accidentally taken by children or anyone else. It is
important to always dispose of medications properly.
Inquire at your pharmacy about medicine take back
programs in your area. If one is not available, follow
disposal instructions on the medicine label or the
patient information that accompanies the medicine.
 If no instructions are given, crush and mix medicines
with coffee grounds, cat litter or food scraps, then
seal them in a bag or a container (such as a jar or a
margarine tub) and discard them in the regular trash.