examples of aids available to help people to take medication?

Answer 1

Pillboxes for 7 days, or for day/night, or for breakfast/lunch/dinner. There's even pillboxes with 28 containers.

Alarm clocks with multiple settings, so they don't need to alarm at the same times each day.

Answer 2

is it because they have difficulty swallowing or they don't like taking them or they want to take them and shouldn't? If it is hard to swallow or they taste bad, put them in food. Some can be cut in half, but not all. You could talk to your pharmacist or practice nurse or doctor about this problem, as it isn't clear what you mean exactly. wish I could be of more help.

Answer 3

if you mean "helping them remember" .. then there are pillboxes with 7 days and each day contining 3 or 4 subparts for morning / evening/ night etc

there are alarm clocks...

most importantly... people around the person must remind him or her regularly... esp iin case of older people

Answer 4

Not sure what you mean...could you give a bit more information i.e. what kind of problem they have taking medication?

Answer 5

Check this link:

http://www.bpassoc.org.uk/Health%20professionals/focus%20on%20meds.pdf




Tips on taking your medicine

Always read the instructions carefully
Always take your medicine as recommended. If in any doubt contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Measure your medicine carefully
(e.g. use a medicine spoon, or only inhale the recommended number of puffs). It is important to take only the recommended dose of your medicine, as too much can be harmful and too little might prevent the medicine from working properly.

For liquid medicines, remember to shake the bottle before measuring out the correct amount,as some liquid medicines may ‘settle’ at the bottom of the bottle.


Take your medicine at the recommended intervals and recommended time
When your doctor says you should take your medicine 3 times a day space out the doses fairly evenly (e.g. in the morning, afternoon and before you go to bed).

If your doctor tells you to take your medicine at a certain time of the day, follow this advice as it can be important with some blood pressure tablets and other medicines which work better at particular times of day.

Follow instructions
If your doctor specifies taking your medicine with or after food, it is important that you follow these instructions. Some medicines such as certain anti-inflammatoriesshould be taken with, or after, food to avoid the possibility of stomach upsets. If you are advised to take your medicine on an empty stomach (as is commonly the case with antibiotics), it is probably because the medicine will be absorbed more quickly if the stomach is empty.

Don’t chew, crush or break tablets or capsules

Don’t chew, crush or break tablets or capsules unless your doctor has told you to do so. Some medicines have a special coating and will not work properly unless they are swallowed whole. If you are unable to take tablets or capsules ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is an alternative which might be more suitable for you.

Don’t stop taking your medicine

Don't stop taking your medicine or adjust the dose or change how often you take it without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Complete the course of your prescribed medicine

For example, if you have been prescribed antibiotics, you should make sure you complete the course, even if you feel better; if you don't, the bacteria causing the infection may not be completely destroyed and the infection could return. Many medicines need to be stopped slowly, with regular checks from a doctor to ensure there are no health problems.

Furthermore, you should not stop taking your medicine even if you feel better, as your doctor may have prescribed it to prevent recurrences of your condition, e.g. migraine and asthma medicines. If you experience any side-effects or the medicine doesn't seem to be working as it should, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. He or she may be able to prescribe/recommend a different but equally effective medicine.
Special patient groups

Special patient groups - Patient Health International

The following groups of people may need to be particularly careful when taking medicines:

Children
It is very important that children are given a medicine which is right for them and that they receive a dose recommended for their age. Some medicines are not recommended for use in children and adult doses of medicines could be very dangerous if given to a child, as they may be much higher than the child needs. If a child has an allergy (eg. to penicillin) be sure to remind the doctor.

Children often have several different caregivers in a single day (eg parents, teachers, babysitter and grandparents). It is important that each caregiver understands how to give the child his or her medicine safely. A diary may be helpful to keep track of what medicine has been given and what time it was given at, as younger children will not always be able to tell if they have already received their medicine.

Elderly people
As we get older, our livers and kidneys become less efficient at breaking down and getting rid of medicines and this can result in medicines building up in the body. Because of this, elderly people may require lower doses of the medicine than the normal adult dosages.Elderly people are also more likely to be taking a number of medicines at the same time and therefore care must be taken in order to avoid potentially harmful interactions with other medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise on the importance of any potential interactions.

Elderly people may also be more likely to forget whether they have taken their medicines and take a double dose. It is best to seek advice if this is a possibility.

There are several products available which may help to remind elderly people to take their medicines on time and keep track of what medicines they have taken. These include calendars which can be checked off, containers with sections for daily doses and bottle caps that beep when it is time to take a tablet. When people are taking several medicines, a medicine tray can be useful to help organise the medicines.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Expectant mothers rightly are concerned about the effects of any medicines they take can have on theirs and their baby’s well-being. While many medicines are safe to use during pregnancy, others are known to have harmful effects on the health of the baby or the mother. Medicines taken by a pregnant woman can cross the placenta and enter the baby’s bloodstream and may affect the baby’s development.

Mixing medicines
Medicines can interact with each other and cause problems so if you are taking medicines you should always mention this to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any extra medicines.

However, you can and should continue to take your prescribed medicine under the guidance of your doctor. Medicines may also have different effects at earlier and later stages of the pregnancy and your doctor may need to change your regular medicines during the course of your pregnancy. When purchasing medicines “over-the-counter” make sure that you seek the advice of your pharmacist about whether the medicine is right for you.

If you are (or think you may be) pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor before taking any medicines, even medicines available without a prescription.
Your medicine

Your medicine - Patient Health International

Understanding your medicine
Understanding your medical condition and the role your medicine plays in your treatment will help you to get the most benefit from your prescription.

You should make sure you fully understand your condition, and why and how to take your medicine. This will ensure your medicine works properly and will reduce the possibility of side-effects.

Medicines often come with a leaflet of instructions on how to take or use them and a list of what they contain. You should always read the label on the container or instruction leaflet before you start any course of treatment. Ask for a leaflet if you do not appear to have one.

It is important that you only take the recommended dose and know how long to take your medicine. If you are unclear on the details ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain this to you.

It is very important to remember that your medicine is prescribed for you - and you alone - and you should never share it or give it to someone else who says they have the same symptoms; this can be very dangerous, as your medicine may not be suitable for them.

Make sure you don't take a double dose by mistake, particularly when you top up your supplies as “repeats” or “refills” for longer-term treatments.

Remember that medicines are known by two names, the 'chemical' name (e.g. lisinopril) and the trade name (e.g. Zestril). Also some medicines, particularly older ones, may be available from different manufacturers and the tablets from each manufacturer may look different. In some countries e.g. in European countries, medicines from another country can be provided by pharmacists. So sometimes different packs of medicines can look different but actually contain the same active ingredient. If you are in any doubt, ask your pharmacist.

The approved uses of medicine vary between countries. Information is available for US, UK and a number of other countries.