Medical Information on Pharmacy Drugs

When a doctor prescribes a medicine, the patient typically picks up the prescription and the drug's medical information at the pharmacy. This medical information is required by the Federal Drug Administration so the patient knows the type of medication, the dosage, the number of refills allowed and any possible side effects. Always read the medical information to ensure you have received the correct medication at the correct dosage. The information appears on the bottle's labels as well as in a pamphlet the druggist includes with the purchase. Talking to the pharmacist about your concerns is also a wise course of action.

Instructions

• Every pharmacy prescription will have the name of the medication along with instructions on how to administer the medication. The instruction detail the dosage in teaspoons, tablespoons or milliliters for liquid medication and a quantity for medication in pill form. The medical information also tells the method of taking the medication, such as orally or by injection --- such as insulin. The label should also include the amount of medication in the bottle and the dosage strength.

Storage

• Pharmacy drug labels contain information on the correct storage of the medication. Medication might need to be kept away from direct sunlight, moisture and high humidity. This prevents the medications from losing effectiveness. Other pharmacy drugs may require refrigeration. Always take note of the storage instructions, and never place medication in the bathroom medicine cabinet as it is a moist place with high humidity.

Drug Interaction

• The pharmacist may give you medication that details special information regarding drug interaction. Certain drugs, when taken with other medications, may cause serious health effects. If you are concerned your medication is reacting with other drugs or you experience side effects, contact your doctor immediately for the best advice. Contact the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the emergency room if drugs are interacting in a negative way.

Side Effects

• Pharmacy drugs will list side-effect information on labels and in the pamphlet. The medical information details the symptoms you may experience when taking the drug, such as dizziness, drowsiness, upset stomach or profuse sweating and fever. Always check the instructions concerning side effects. Some medications warn about operating machinery or driving.

Online Information

• Perform online searches for medical information. By looking up the medication's name, you can find out whether anyone has experienced any serious problems with the pharmacy drug, a list of less-expensive generic brands and if the Food and Drug Administration has ever had to recall certain brands of the drug. Conducting online research allows you to gain an understanding of certain pharmacy drugs that you may wish to discuss with your doctor. Always be careful of the information online, since not all medical information may be accurate or kept up-to-date.