5 Frequently Asked Questions for Pharmacists

Medications are one of the biggest parts of many people’s everyday lives. Medicine seems to be branching out and growing and getting better every single day, helping millions of people be able to live a normal life, when they otherwise may not be able to. Pharmacists play one of the biggest roles in that process and are charged with the distribution of hundreds to thousands of medications weekly.

What if a medication makes me too sleepy?

There are some medications out there that can make you sleepy, which can be good if it’s a night-time medication but not so good if you are trying to function after taking it. Make sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, especially if you are adding an OTC medication, which may not be a part of your known medical record. Just try your best to only take medications that may make you drowsy before bed, or after your day so that there are no accidents caused by the drowsiness.

Does age increase the risk of medication side effects?

Yes, there are some medications that can have increased side effects with age. Specifically, medication tends to cloud judgement and memory the older the recipient gets. Since the elderly can sometimes already have memory issues more as they age, some medication can speed this along. Another common side effect that is common in older people is drowsiness. Even though some medication may make a young or middle aged person slightly drowsy or even have no drowsiness effect, they may make it hard for someone older to wake up or stand. If you are worried about any of these problems, speak to your doctor or the Canadian Pharmacy.

Does it actually matter what time of day I take my medication? 

Yes, your dosing schedule is extremely important in order for your medication to give you the desired effect. You should try to take your medication at the same time every day in order for it to be the most beneficial. That being said, if you accidentally forget a dose or are a little later than normal don’t freak out. It is better to take a dose later than normal than not at all.

How long can medication be used after the expiration date?

There are obviously a lot of different opinions on expirations dates and how important they really are, but they are there for a reason. Some medications, specifically insulin, nitroglycerin and liquid antibiotics are most time sensitive to expiration dates. Also the expiration date is much more important for the elderly, you don’t want to let them take anything that is past the expiration date. Of course, always check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure if you have any questions.

How should medications be stored?

Make sure to keep all medications in a safe place that is out of reach of children and animals. Some medications may need to be refrigerated, unless you are told by your doctor or pharmacist you do not need to worry about that. Keep them somewhere that is room temperature and where the temperature won’t change drastically throughout the day. Never take your medication and put it in an unidentified bottle, Especially with other medications that are unidentified.

Just keep in mind that if you have any questions, even if they may seem small or not important, to make sure you ask your doctor or pharmacist before proceeding. It is much better to ask something that may be small than for something to go ary in your medication process.