Question:
Guidelines for future medication use

Currently, I take no medications on a regular basis, but what are some good guidelines to follow when it will be necessary (even just an antibiotic), or when we do have the eventual cold, or fever? Should everything be prescribed or bought OTC as liquid, do we double up--are pharmacists and private MDs really knowledgable to prescribe for us? Please any insight or experience appreciated--I've really only seen anti-depressants addressed here. Thank you for this WONDERFUL knowledge base.    — Wannabe A. (posted on October 11, 2002)

October 11, 2002
Some medicines come in liquid form, some don't. I always ask for the liquid (I think it absorbs better), but if there isn't one or the pharmacy can't get it, I just cut the tablets in half. I haven't had to take a lot of different meds, but I've never seen one as big as, say, a calcium pill. I haven't had to double up on anything. You can also crush the med and mix it in applesauce or something, the way they do for kids.
   — Roxanne M.

October 11, 2002
Every surgeon and facility has different rules and guidelines regarding medication intake. I had open RNY and I'm allowed to take pills that are smaller than a plain M&M....if they are larger, I have to cut them in half. I can no longer take aspirin or NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)....this includes ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Naprosyn, naproxyn sodium, Celebrex, and Vioxx (just to name a few).
   — Lynette B.

October 11, 2002
Hi, You should also stay away from sustained-release meds. I've heard that most drugs are available in the non-sustained release form, though. :0)
   — Patricia E.

October 13, 2002
I have learned something interesting, recently, in regard of this question. If the medication is a lipid(fat) based medication, it will not break down in our systems because the digestive juices are not active with our food disposal. The best choices will be water soluable based vitamins and medication. I will tell you from my very own personal experience.....The time released medication has not worked for me at all, and i Have tried quiet a few. Some other medications, have worked for a fraction of the time they should be. I have yet to find a doctor who can help me with these things.....
   — twenc

October 14, 2002
I am lucky - my surgeon prescribes for me. I recently had a jaw infection caused from a bad tooth. The dentist wasn't treating it effectively and aggressively enough so my surgeon hospitalized me for 36 hours of intense IV antibiotic therapy. Shortly after my surgery I had bronchitis and was given Zithromax but I didn't take it without talking to my surgeon first. With the exception of anti-inflammatories he says it's mostly trial and error to see what you can tolerate.
   — Patty_Butler