What to know first
- Keep prescription drugs, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements on one list.
- Use one pharmacy when practical so interactions are easier to identify.
- Never stop a prescribed medicine abruptly without guidance.
Build one reliable record
For every product, record the name, strength, dose, timing, reason, prescriber, and start date. Include pain relievers, sleep aids, allergy medicines, antacids, vitamins, and herbal products. Bring the list to every visit and update it after changes.
Note dizziness, falls, confusion, constipation, bleeding, sleepiness, and low appetite. A new symptom can sometimes be a side effect or interaction rather than a new disease.
Ask for a structured review
Ask whether each medicine is still needed, whether two products duplicate an ingredient, whether kidney or liver function changes the dose, and whether timing can be simplified. Confirm what to do after a missed dose.
Pill organizers and reminders can help only after the list is correct. Do not split, crush, or combine medicines unless a pharmacist confirms it is safe.
Sources and further reading
We prioritize authoritative public-health and government sources. Open each source to review the original guidance and latest updates.