Drug Icon CC helps you understand dosing schedule
Did you find it difficult to understand dosing schedule? Does taking a dose “4 times a day” necessarily means taking it EXACTLY 6 hours apart? Do we have to wake up in the middle of the night for that? 
It’s a NO
We don’t set an alarm to wake us up after midnight for the med! “4 times a day” dosing generally means taking medicine every 4 to 6 hours. When calculating the interval between medications, you should subtract the hours of sleep then divide by 4.
Dosing schedule can generally be interpreted as follows
:
times a day: morning, afternoon, evening and before bedtime 
times a day: morning, afternoon and evening Twice a day: morning and evening Once a day: take the medication in the morning/evening. For example, diuretics are mostly taken in the morning to avoid excessive nighttime urination
To know more about #dosingschedule, click here 
https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Why must some medicines be taken before or after meal🍚🤔?
WHAT!? Medicines can irritate the stomach? Taking medicine before meal make it even worse?
Drug-food interaction is the main concern of whether we are taking the medicine before or after meal, which also affects their efficacy!
Let’s learn more about it 
!
Common reasons for taking medicine before meal:
Food affects the pH of your stomach and hence the absorption and effectiveness of certain medications. e.g. antiparkinsonian drugs
To avoid drug-food interaction. Some foods can interact with your medicine, either by increasing or decreasing the amount of medicine in your blood to potentially dangerous levels or levels that are too low to be effective.
Common reasons for taking medicine after meal: To reduce the side effects of stomach irritation such as nausea and vomiting. e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Some medicines need food in the stomach to help with absorption. e.g. HIV medicine ritonavir
When exactly should we take medicine that is directed to be taken before or after meals? Click here https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Consult the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
What does "as needed" mean 🤯 ?
Does it mean that the med can be taken as many times as we want
?
That’s a no-no
! The dosage of “as needed” depends on medicines or situations
. There are instructions for as-needed medication. For example, medicines for relieving of cold and flu symptoms.
You shouldn’t take double dose just for speedy recovery. Or you may risk overdosage/liver failure
.
Read dosage instruction carefully even if it’s a “as needed” prescription.
To know more about #asneeded, click here https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
One pill or two pills? It's not a memory test🤭!
For those of you who need to take plenty of medicines daily, it’s easy to forget the dosage!
Instead of “remembering” the dosage of each pill, we should read the instructions every time!
You can paste the #drugsiconstickers with #onepill or #twopills instructions on your medication label, available for download here: https://drugicon.cc/download/
To know more about medication dosage, click here https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Consult the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Are you splitting the pills in half correctly💊?
Sometimes we may have to split pills as needed, is it okay to split the pill in half by using our hands directly 
?
No! Splitting pills with fingers, knives, or scissors
may easily break the medicine into pieces and unstable. We should not split the medicine beforehand, as the efficacy of medication will be affected by air and moisture. If you have a prescribed medicine that needs to be divided in half, you should use the right equipment such as a pill splitter.
If needed, you can purchase the right equipment from pharmacies and through online retailers. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before you split the pills!
To know more knowledge of splitting pills, click here https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Using proper dosing tools for "1 teaspoon" dose🥄!
When you’re taking a “1 teaspoon” dose and don’t have a medicine spoon, can I just use a flatware teaspoon?
It’s NOT a good idea
! The standard weight of a teaspoon is 5ml. A flatware teaspoon’s volume may range from 2.5ml to 10ml. Measuring liquid medications with it can easily make the actual dose different from the prescribed dose. Or it may affect the therapeutic effect
.
Don’t have a medicine spoon with you? It can be bought from a pharmacy and most clinics. Or you may purchase an oral syringe. This is much easier to use and accurate. By doing so, the wrong dose of medicine can be avoided.
To know more about #1teaspoon, click here https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Does storing medicines in the fridge make them last longer🥶?
A refrigerator can extend storage life and keep safe for foods. Is it the same for the med
?
The refrigerator isn’t a magic box
. It won’t extend the expiration date of medicines. Some medicines may even become spoiled if they are refrigerated. For example, cough syrup may lose efficacy when the temperature is too low.
Unless specified by the instructions, never refrigerate medications. Most medications are recommended to be stored at room temperature, between 25 °C to 30 °C
If you’re in doubt, speak to the doctor.
It is important to read the instructions carefully and store your medication properly.To store your medicines properly and easily, you can also use the #drugsiconstickers with #storeinrefrigerator instructions on your medication label, available for download here: https://drugicon.cc/download/
Why do medicines need to be protected from light?
Protecting medicines from light is one of the methods of medicines storage? By doing this, the medicine can be used effectively?
There are medicines that need to be ” protected from light”
, such as “Nitroglycerin”. Its active ingredients are easy to volatilize. When the medicine is exposed to light, it will slowly decompose and become ineffective.
To avoid the deterioration of the medicine and the loss of efficacy, or even health effects, it is necessary to remember to store medicines away from light.
To know more about #drugstorage , click here https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Is it important to complete the whole course of treatment 💊 🤔 ?
Once cold symptoms have subsided, you may stop taking meds
. Is every medicine the same?
Not at all There are some medicines, such as antibiotics. Even if you are feeling better, you should always finish the course of treatment with antibiotics. By doing this, you can ensure that illness-causing bacteria are completely killed, and prevent antibiotic resistance.
To know more about general advice on taking #antibiotics , click here https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Why should we shake cough syrup before using it?
Oh No! I forget to shake cough syrup before I give it to my child. Does it matter
?
Cough syrup generally contains drugs and syrup. The active drug in cough syrup will precipitate during storage
. Without shaking, these drugs that settle at the bottom won’t be evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
In other words, taking early doses won’t be effective. Since all the drugs are concentrated in the last dose, it can also lead to an overdose
.
Make use of #drugiconcc #shakewell stickers to remind yourself better!
Click here to download https://bit.ly/3l74m95This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Why do some medicines need to be swallowed whole🧐?
Pills are too big and hard to swallow? It can easily cause choking? Is it ok to divide or chew medicine before taking it?
Most pills and capsules are usually designed to be released slowly in the body until the drug can fall into the small intestine and exert their maximum effect. For example, long-acting medications for blood pressure lowering drugs should not be chewed and split. Destroying the original drug design, the drug may be released too fast and cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. It may increase hypotension. Or cause side effects.
If you think the medicine is too difficult to swallow, you should discuss it with your doctor first, don’t bite and grind the pill yourself !
To know more about #howtoswallowthepill, click here https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Taking medicines with alcohol? Are you sure🤨?
It would be safe if you took a short interval of time between taking meds and drinking. REALLY
?
It is still a bad idea even if you don’t take them at the same time. Since alcohol components may remain in the body for a long time, it can still cause an alcohol-drug interaction, affect the efficacy of the medication and increase the risk of side effects
.
Some meds that interact with alcohol:
Antihypertensive Medicines
Alcohol: excessive hypotension Sleeping Medicines Alcohol: drowsiness
/ difficulty breathing
You should avoid taking the medication with alcohol or alcoholic drinks.
To know more about #avoidalcohol , click here https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Do you know why some medicines need to be taken with plenty of water🤷💧?
What!? Taking not enough water with your medicines can cause drug-induced esophagitis? Is it real?
Yes, it is! Without enough water, medicines can easily stick in the esophagus. It can even cause esophageal ulcers and perforations.
In general, medications should be taken with a full glass of water. However, there are some meds that need to be taken with plenty of water. For example, painkiller aspirin can irritate the esophagus. You may need to take more than a full glass of water.
In addition, taking meds like ibuprofen and other antipyretics need to drink plenty of water
. It can prevent dehydration and reduce the damage of the drug to the liver and kidney.
If you have kidney disease, you should ask your doctor before taking medications.
Want to know how much water should I drink for medicine? You can refer to the following linkhttps://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/
More #takingmethod Information, you can click to enter www.drugicon.cc
Some drugs or injections have strict dosage, frequency, and time limits. The above guidelines only apply to general conditions. Please refer to the doctor’s prescription and pharmacist’s instructions.
Why should some tablets be chewed before swallowing😧?
You probably know that most tablets need to be swallowed whole. However, did you know that some have to be chewed first
?
Tablets designed to be chewed are intended to increase their absorption. As an example, chewable antacids are slow acting. By chewing the tablet, a lot of small particles can be created. Due to its larger surface area, it dissolves faster than a large tablet. Thus, it can instantly neutralize gastric acid to relieve a bloated stomach
.
Is it easy to get confused between chewing and swallowing whole
?
Download the #drugiconcc #chew sticker to remind yourself better!
https://bit.ly/3l74m95
Check out our previous #howtoswallowthepill post?https://www.facebook.com/drugicon.cc/posts/453035483112232This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
What happens if you overuse eye drops with preservatives?
You might get tired and dry eyes if you stare at a computer screen for too long. Would it relieve faster by using more drops 
?
This is a big no-no! Many over-the-counter eye drops contain preservatives. When eye drops with preservatives are overused for a long period of time, they may cause allergic conjunctivitis or even corneal damage.
The eye drops with preservatives shouldn’t be used more than 4 times a day.
To know more about how to administer eye drops / eye ointments? Click here https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Common uses and ingredients of ear drops👂💦
What are ear drops? What are they used for?
Ear drops are mainly used to treat ear infections or remove earwax
.
In general, ear drops contain the following ingredients: Antibiotic Antifungal drug Ear Wax Softener
The first two ingredients are used to treat bacterial/fungal infections in the ear. The Ear wax softener is used to soften and dissolve hard, dry earwax.
Would you like to know more about how to use ear drops properly?Click here: https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
What happens if you overuse topical nasal decongestants👃🤔?
Have you ever used nasal sprays for allergic rhinitis? The congestion got worse even though you used the spray more frequently
?
Over-the-counter nasal sprays without steroids are decongestants. Although these medicines can help relieve nasal congestion quickly, they only provide temporary relief.
Prolonged use can cause rhinitis medicamentosa. It may worsen nasal mucosal swelling and congestion
!
You shouldn’t use it for more than 5 days!
Would you like to know more about how to use nasal spray/nasal drops properly?Click here: https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Is it okay to take white flower embrocation orally😟💮?
A white flower embrocation is for external use only. However, some believe that it can be consumed to relieve flatulence and pain. Is it true?
You should never do it! Medications intended only for external use should not be eaten or drunk ! This medicine contains methyl salicylate and camphor. Accidentally taking them can cause stomach aches, vomiting, headaches, and vertigo
.
If you are using this product externally, do not contact your wound, eyes, or mucous membranes
.Are you interested in more topical precautions for topical use?Click here: https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Are there any precautions to be taken when using inhaled corticosteroids⚠️?
Have you ever used inhaled corticosteroids to treat asthma? Did you ever get oral thrush when taking these drugs
?
These drugs are mainly used to relieve and prevent airway inflammation. They reach the lungs directly through inhalation
. As steroids remain easily in your mouth, they may cause oral thrush.
As a result, you need to rinse and gargle after using inhaled corticosteroids! This step can help prevent side effects such as dry mouth, hoarseness, and a mouth infection called thrush
!Would you like to know more about how to use metered-dose inhaler properly?Click here: https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Why must glyceryl trinitrate tablets be taken under the tongue👅💊?
Isn’t it more effective to swallow or chew glyceryl trinitrate tablets to relieve angina(chest pain)?
It’s not the right choice for you! If you crushed or swallowed directly, these tablets may lose their effectiveness. As sublingual medications are placed under the tongue, their active ingredients can immediately relieve chest pain. After these medications dissolve under the tongue, they are directly absorbed into the bloodstream through capillaries, bypassing the digestive system
Medications administered by this route generally work quickly. It can also avoid first-pass metabolism by the liver.What are the precautions of taking glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin) ?Click here: https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
How long should you wait to poop after inserting a rectal suppository💩🚾?
OH NO! You may feel the urge to strain and force the stool out after inserting a rectal suppository. How should you handle this
?
It usually takes only a few minutes for the urge to subside once the suppository melts. When you have inserted a suppository, wait at least one hour before emptying your bowels
(Unless it is a laxative) ! Without passing stool, the medication has enough time to enter the bloodstream and begin working
!
As a result, it is recommended to poop before using a suppositoryWould you like to know more about how to use a rectal suppository properly?Click here: https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Should you keep using vaginal suppositories during period🤨❓
Your period has just started when you’re using vaginal suppositories. Should you keep using it or not
?
Don’t stop taking suppositories if you are given a course of treatment with them. In this case, you should complete the entire course even during menstruation.
As tampons might absorb some of the medication, you should use sanitary pads instead of tampons
!Would you like to know more about how to use vaginal suppositories properly?Click here: https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Why do some cold medications make you drowsy😴?
You feel sleepy and find it difficult to concentrate after taking cold medicines? That’s because of this ingredient!
Some cold medicines contain antihistamines that make you sleepy. As an example, first-generation antihistamines diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine may cause drowsiness
.
As for the newer generation antihistamines, such as cetirizine and loratadine, they are less likely to cause sleepiness 
. However, it’s still not recommended to drive after taking these medications
!To know more information about medications that make you tired?Click here: https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Is it okay to take over-the-counter medications while pregnant💊🤰?
You feel sleepy and find it difficult to concentrate after taking cold medicines? That’s because of this ingredient!
Some cold medicines contain antihistamines that make you sleepy. As an example, first-generation antihistamines diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine may cause drowsiness.
As for the newer generation antihistamines, such as cetirizine and loratadine, they are less likely to cause sleepiness . However, it’s still not recommended to drive after taking these medications!To know more information about medications that make you tired?Click here: https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.
Why should you avoid sunlight while taking photosensitive medications🚫🌞?
Applying sunscreen to our skin is always important. But did you know that those who take sun-sensitizing medications can be even more at risk of sunburn⛱ 🔆?
Some medicines, such as antibiotics, antifungals, and cholesterol-lowering drugs, there is a possibility that certain ingredients may lead to photosensitivity💊😱. When people taking them are exposed to the sun, the ultraviolet (UV) light changes the structure of the drug and causes DRUG-INDUCED PHOTOSENSITIVITY😷☀️‼️
This reaction usually involves sunburn-like symptoms, a rash, skin blistering, or other side effects😣.
🌟No matter what medications you are taking, it is important to read the labels carefully👀✨.
🌟To know more about general advice on taking #photosensitivemedications? 👉Click here：https://drugicon.cc/the-drug-icons-2/
🌟This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have any medication-related questions.