Your dad takes several medications. His doctor prescribes them, so they must be fine. Have you ever stopped to look at the medications he’s taking? You should.
Prescribed medications need to be taken correctly. That can mean avoiding taking them with certain foods or taking them on a full or empty stomach. If your dad isn’t paying attention to the doctor’s directions, it can be dangerous. Researching his medications is important. These are things you should research.
What Do the Pills Look Like?
Go online and look up photos of the pills your dad is taking. Make sure they match what he has in his bottle. If the pills don’t look the same, talk to his doctor. While it’s uncommon, mistakes can happen. You do not want him to take an incorrect medication.
What Are the Common Side Effects?
See what the common side effects are. Dizziness and nausea are two common side effects. Both can increase the risk of a fall if your dad is trying to walk around after the medication kicks in. Some pills can cause his blood pressure to drop, which also can make him feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Are There Contraindications?
If your dad is taking a blood thinner? If so, he should talk to his doctor before using an over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin or ibuprofen as it can increase bleeding.
An antidepressant shouldn’t be taken with an alcoholic beverage. Some antidepressant medications are also never meant to be taken with the herb St. John’s Wort as it can cause incoherence.
How about digitalis? If your dad is taking this heart medication, he needs to avoid eating black licorice. It can increase the effects of digoxin.
Some medications are best taken at night before he goes to bed. Some are meant to be taken in the morning. Make sure you know if the medication should be taken on a full stomach, empty stomach, or with a dairy beverage like milk to prevent stomach upset.
Make Sure He Has Help With Medications
When your dad is taking his medications, he may need someone to help him. Medication reminders are one of the best services to arrange if your dad is having a hard time remembering when to take his medications or if he’s taken them or not that day. Elderly care services offer medication reminders.
You’ll find that elderly care aides also prove helpful if he has some of the more troubling side effects like dizziness or nausea. An elderly care aide will be there to help him with mobility and transportation after he takes his daily medications.
Sources:
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0315/p1745.html
http://web.brrh.com/msl/GrandRounds/2016/GrandRounds_08-23-16-Common-Drug-Interactions/8-22-16-Lecture%20Grand%20Rounds%20Drug%20Drug%20Interactions.pdf
If you or an aging loved-one are considering elderly care in Greenwood Village, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today. Call us at (303) 756-9322.
