tailieunhanh - Medicines CHAPTER 3

If the patient agrees, families and carers should also have the opportunity to be involved in decisions about treatment and care. Families and carers should be given the information and support they need. If patients do not have the capacity to make decisions, healthcare professionals should follow the Department of Health guidelines – ‘Reference guide to consent for examination or treatment’ (2001) (available from ). Healthcare professionals should also follow the code of practice that accompanies the Mental Capacity Act (summary available from ). . | Medicines 35 Learning About Medicines medicines prescription pharmacy RX medicine label OTC medicine label J Medicines Medicines are something you use when you are sick and want to get better. You can also use medicines to stay healthy. Medicines are sometimes called drugs. Some medicines are sold over-the-counter OTC . OTC medicines are for common health problems such as colds or flu. Anyone can buy over-the-counter medicines at a pharmacy. A pharmacy can also be called a drugstore. Some medicines are sold only with a prescription. The symbol for prescription medicine is Rx. You must have a prescription from a doctor to buy a prescription medicine. Take the prescription to a pharmacy and give the prescription to the pharmacist. He or she will prepare the medicine for you. pharmacist Q This chapter will answer these questions. How do I read medicine labels How do I measure and take medicines How can a pharmacist help 36 Chapter 3 Medicines Different Kinds of Medicines tablets injection Medicines come in many other forms too. You use different medicines in different ways. Some pills you swallow but you do not chew. Other pills you chew and then swallow. You can chew tablets. Do not chew capsules. Some medicines are in the form of a liquid or syrup. Most cough medicines come in a liquid or syrup. You swallow most cough syrups. To learn exactly how to take your medicines you must read the medicine labels. Famous Sayings About Staying Healthy Laughter is the best medicine. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure .