Following dosage instructions can mitigate side effects, but when you are taking prescribed medicine, the dosage is what is recommended for your age group and your specific situation. It might take time for your body to get used to the dosage, and if doctors and pharmacists prescribe the correct dosage, it can protect and improve public health.
But when following a prescription, you should do more than take the recommended amount, you should take it in the recommended time frame. For example, medications have finite usage limits; painkillers, for instance, shouldn’t be used for more than three days without medical advice.
It is easy to fall into the trap that more is better and in some cases, a higher dosage works. However, dosages should always be approved by doctors and pharmacists who can distinguish between a harmful and beneficial dosage. One size does not fit all, and to avoid serious consequences like overdosing, it is best to stick to the recommended guidelines.
More Isn’t Better or Safer
Taking more than the recommended amount is not necessarily safer or better for you.
For example, if you decide to take vitamin C to improve your immune system, any excess vitamin C will do nothing and will come out in your urine. So taking too much vitamin C is not harmful but neither is it beneficial. But if you were to take too much iron, it can prove to be harmful. According to the National Institutes of Health (2023), ‘Large amounts of iron might also cause more serious effects, including inflammation of the stomach lining and ulcers. High doses of iron can also decrease zinc absorption. Extremely high doses of iron (in the hundreds or thousands of mg) can cause organ failure, coma, convulsions, and death.’
Supplements are not as easily regulated, so if you wanted to you could have access to as many vitamins as you wanted. But taking more than recommended causes harm and can build up in the body to toxic levels. As well as causing deficiencies as taking excessive amounts of supplements can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.
So the recommended guidelines for taking medicines have been put in place to protect the person from severe side effects.
Also, overdosing on medications increases the risk of severe side effects, worsens interactions with other drugs, and reduces their effectiveness. To ensure safety, always follow recommended guidelines, read instructions carefully, and consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure about dosage adjustments.
Foods That Do Not Mix With Medicine
Whilst taking medicine can help improve your health, it is best to also make sure you are getting the most from the food you eat. Medications are not a substitute for a healthy diet, and although they can help manage conditions, they do not replace a balanced diet. So rather than jumping to increase the dosage of the medicines you take, look at your diet. But more importantly, look into if the foods you eat are making your medicine less effective. There are some foods and drinks that will not mix with prescription drugs, such as dairy. Milk can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron, so it’s best to avoid dairy products for at least an hour when taking iron supplements.
Timing & Organisation
The recommended amount also refers to the time you take medicines. Taking the right amount at the wrong time can be as harmful as taking more than is recommended. Taking the right dose at the right time is crucial, as both the dosage and timing are what make the medicine effective. Taking it at the wrong time,
however, can lead to unwanted side effects and reduce its effectiveness.
For time-sensitive medications, failing to follow the instructions as written can lead to serious consequences, such as decreased effectiveness and worsening of your health. Always take your medicine at the correct time to ensure the best outcomes for your health.
Organisation & Safe Storage
Proper organisation in healthcare settings is crucial for the safe administration of medicines. Medications should be stored securely in drug cabinets, while tools for procedures, such as those on dressing trolleys, are kept separate to prevent cross-contamination.
Similarly, at home, it is pivotal to adopt similar practices by keeping medicines in their original packaging, out of reach of children and pets.
Proper storage ensures that medicines are unchanged, protected, and out of reach.
Safe storage, such as controlled drug cabinets will prevent any incidents like accidental overdoses and will eliminate the misuse of medications.
Such practices, when combined with adhering to the correct dosage and timing, play a key role in promoting patient safety and achieving effective treatment outcomes.
Final ThoughtsTaking the recommended amount of medication is one way of taking medication safely. Medicines can improve your health but only if you follow the instructions written on the label. If you’re unsure about how to take your medication or are considering increasing the dosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
They can provide clear advice on when to take your medication, how often, and the appropriate dosage to ensure its effectiveness and your safety.
