Taking Medication

One of the key issues with medications is keeping track of the medicine that is taken, and keeping the medications themselves organized. Ideally these tasks should be organized by a single person, so the emphasis for anyone else who visits should be on working within whatever system has been established. If you are assisting the patient to take pills or tablets at the appropriate time, there are a few simple rules to follow:

  • Wash your hands before touching any medication
  • As with eating, help the patient to sit comfortably and upright to make swallowing comfortable
  • Offer a liquid or food if the medications need to be taken with one or the other. In most cases, pills should be taken with water, so avoid milk unless it is specified
  • When taking medication with water, offer the patient a drink of water prior to taking a pill. Moistening the mouth first will make swallowing easier

 

Medication is not always swallowed. It can be held under the tongue and absorbed through the lining of the mouth, either as a small amount of liquid or dissolvable tablet.

Medicine can also be delivered rectally with a suppository, through the skin with the help of a patch, or, under the skin through a method called subcutaneous injection or infusion. To help someone with a suppository, you will need a glove and petroleum jelly or some other lubricant for the anal area. Suppositories should be well lubricated and pushed as far into the rectum as the gloved forefinger can reach.

To use a skin patch, follow the directions on the packaging and change the patch regularly, usually about every three days. Try not to get the patch wet. Do not cut or fold patches unless instructed to do so.  

Subcutaneous infusion or injection sends medicine into the body just under the surface of the skin. This can be done through a needle inserted under the skin or through a system of syringes and pumps.

Any of these methods are typically explained and or demonstrated to you by a health care professional.  Make it easy on yourself and ask if you are unsure.