64 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
WHEN YOU GIVE MEDICINES
TO ANYONE . . .
Always write all the following information
on the note with the medicine—even if the
person cannot read:
• the person’s name
• the name of the medicine
• what it is for
• the dosage
This information can be put on the same note as
the drawing for dosage.
A page of these dosage blanks is included at the end of the book. Cut them out and
use them as needed. When you run out, you can make more yourself.
When you give medicine to someone, it is a good idea to keep a record of this same
information. If possible, keep a complete Patient Report (see p. 44).
TAKING MEDICINES ON A FULL OR EMPTY STOMACH
Some medicines work best when you take them when the stomach is empty—that is,
one hour before meals.
Other medicines are less likely to cause upset stomach or heartburn (chest pain)
when taken along with a meal or right afterwards.
Take these medicines
1 hour before meals:
• penicillin
• ampicillin
• tetracycline
It is better not to drink milk an
hour before or after taking
tetracycline.
Take these medicines
together with or soon after
meals (or with a lot of water):
• aspirin and medicine that
contains aspirin
• iron (ferrous sulfate)
• vitamins
• erythromycin
Antacids do the most good if you take them when the stomach is empty, 1 or 2 hours
after meals and at bedtime.
Note: It is best to take medicines while you are standing or sitting up. Also, try to drink
a glass of water each time you take a medicine. If you are taking a sulfa medicine, it
is important to drink lots of water, at least 8 glasses a day, to prevent harm to the
kidneys.