Taking medications exactly as prescribed and understanding the correct way to administer them can reduce risks and help adequately treat health conditions or problems, thereby preventing them from worsening and becoming more costly in the long run.
We take medications to treat or prevent diseases. These come in various forms and are administered in different ways. You may take medication on your own, or a healthcare professional may administer it to you.
Taking medications exactly as prescribed—and understanding the correct way to administer them—can reduce risks and help effectively treat health conditions, thereby preventing them from worsening and becoming more costly in the future.
However, medication errors are common.
The issue of medication administration can become more complex as you or your family members age, as you may lack the physical capacity to administer medications properly; furthermore, memory or cognitive issues can lead to missed doses.
How are medications administered?
There are different ways to administer medications.
You are likely familiar with injections and pills that are swallowed, but medications can also be administered in many other ways.
For example, some medications are broken down by stomach acid if taken orally. Therefore, they may need to be administered by injection.
The way a medication is administered be contingent on three main factors:
- the part of the body being treated
- the way the medication acts within the body
- the formulation of the medication
Medication Administration Training
Not all medications can be managed at home or by someone without specialised training. Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers are trained to administer medications safely.
Medication administration requires a comprehensive understanding of the specific drug in question, including:
- how it acts within the body
- When it should be administered
- its potential side effects and dangerous reactions
- It’s proper storage, handling, and disposal
Medication errors occur frequently in the United States, even when professionals administer medications.
Research shows that medication errors constitute the most common and preventable type of harm experienced by individuals while serving as patients.
These errors can occur at many stages of the process, such as:
- prescribing a medication
- entering information regarding the medication or its dosage into a computer system
- preparing or administering a medication
- the patient taking the medication, or administering it to another person
Why It Is Important to Follow Your Medication Schedule
It is important to take only the dosage indicated on the prescription label or in other instructions. Your doctor carefully determines the dosage and may take into account your age, weight, kidney and liver health, and other health conditions.
For some medications, the dosage must be determined through trial and error. In these cases, a healthcare professional will need to monitor you when you first begin treatment.
For example, if your doctor prescribes thyroid medication or anticoagulants, you will likely need periodic blood tests to control whether the dosage is too high or too low. The consequences of these tests can help your doctor adjust the dosage until the right one is found for you.
Many medications need to reach a certain level in the bloodstream to be effective. They must be administered at specific times—such as every morning—to maintain the medication’s level in your body.
Taking a dose too early can cause drug levels to become excessively high; conversely, skipping a dose or allowing too much time to pass between doses can reduce the amount of medication in your body and prevent it from working properly.
What can happen if medications aren’t reserved as prescribed?
Opposing effects—that is, unwanted and negative effects—can occur with any medication. These effects may include an allergic reaction or an interaction with another medication you are taking.
To help prevent these issues, be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as well as any previous allergies to medications or foods.
A medication with a high risk of adverse effects should be administered only by a healthcare professional. In some cases, your doctor or the nursing staff may ask you to remain at the medical facility so they can observe how the medication affects you.
If you administer the medication yourself, it is your responsibility to monitor for the onset of side effects, such as skin rashes, swelling, or other adverse effects. If you notice any issues, be sure to inform your doctor.
Ways to Help You Take Your Medications Correctly
You and your family can take various steps to ensure that medications are taken correctly.
These may include—though they are certainly not limited to—the following:
- using a pill organiser or dispenser
- Some people keep their medications in a visible location so they can see them every day
- keeping track of days and times using pre-programmed reminders
- trying a mobile app with alerts and notifications
- learning how to store medications properly and keeping a checklist handy—on a bulletin board, on the refrigerator, or near the medications—so it is easy to find when needed
- ensuring that at least one family member is aware of your medication regimen
- helping family members or friends understand how to correctly dose and administer medications, in case you need assistance
Points to Remember
Taking your medications correctly—exactly as prescribed by your doctor—is an important aspect of your treatment and of maintaining your health. This may involve understanding how certain medications work and why some are administered in pill form, while others are given by injection or intravenously.
You can take steps to remind yourself to take your medications; likewise, family members or friends can receive training to help you obtain the medications you need.