Every person needs to take a medication at some point in their life and the normal format is usually in the form of a pill or capsule. Patients who find it difficult to take the medication, such as very young patients or older patients, are given liquid forms of the medication. Most people are familiar with over-the-counter liquid pain reliever formulations for infants and toddlers, as well as liquid cold and flu remedies marketed for adults, but few realize that alternative formulations are available for many prescription medications. when the patient has trouble swallowing pills. . As always, when taking any medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, care must be taken to ensure that there are no adverse side effects when two or more medications are taken at the same time. You should always tell your doctor and pharmacist about any medicines you are currently taking.
Normally, people who take their medications in pill or capsule form do not have difficulty swallowing the medication. These can come in a number of different sizes ranging from quite small to ones that are quite large. Sometimes patients have trouble swallowing due to a condition called dysphagia. This condition can develop when one is young and persist throughout life, or it can develop later in life, caused by a disease or condition that affects the ability to swallow. When this happens, the best thing to do is check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out if the prescribed medication comes in a different form, such as a liquid, that would be easier to swallow. There is a lengthy formulation and development process that drugs in a liquid formulation must go through before being prescribed for use by patients. This is because it is essential that the drug be dispersed evenly throughout the formulation. Liquid formulations often state on the label that the bottle needs to be shaken before swallowing the medication to ensure that the medication is distributed evenly and does not settle to the bottom of the bottle.
Liquid formulations need to be designed slightly differently than tablets so that the patient receives the proper amount of medication without ingesting large amounts of fluid. In addition, it must include an additive that masks the taste of the drug, which is usually quite bitter and tasteless. Normally, the average dose is not more than 5 milliliters for children, but adults usually need to take the drug in a higher dose. Typically, the medication comes in the form of a syrup, mix, or solution and includes sweeteners and flavorings to mask the taste of the drug. Fluids with a thicker viscosity are often used so that they are not as likely to be spilled or inhaled by mistake. In addition, it may have other ingredients that help the medication stay in the liquid, ensuring that the medication is effective.
A special measuring spoon comes with liquid medication to ensure the proper dose is given every time. A recent study revealed that when the special measuring spoon is not used, the size of the dose can vary greatly due to the fact that teaspoons are not manufactured in standard sizes. If you find that you cannot easily use the provided spoon, ask your pharmacist for a special medicine cup or oral syringe so that you can measure the proper dose correctly.
There are some basic steps to follow when taking liquid medications:
1. Make sure you know the dose you will need to consume.
2. Measure the dose into the spoon, cup, or syringe carefully.
3. After the dose is given, thoroughly clean the dispenser so it is ready when it is time to give the next dose.
4. Be sure to store the bottle properly; some medications, such as antibiotics, may need to be refrigerated.
A medication dispenser can be very beneficial for any medication that needs to be taken long term. These pumps are designed to fit into the medicine bottle and dispense a specific amount with each pump. These devices will facilitate the delivery of the correct amount of a liquid medication when administered, especially at night when lighting may be poor and in situations where dexterity or vision are impaired. Any problems should be discussed with your pharmacist or doctor.
Proper storage of the medication is essential and all instructions regarding dosage and timing of administration must be followed exactly. Also, any old medication should be taken to a pharmacy for proper disposal.