Drug Dosage
The maximum effect of the drug treatment is important. However practically the maximum effect is usually unattainable because at the maximum therapeutic doses, unwanted side effects from the drug could occur. Therefore, the dosage of the drug recommended is usually a compromise of what is the best level of therapeutic effect and free from any side effects.
The dosage of drugs prescribed varies according to the individual it has been intended for (such as infants, children, adults and elderly). Additionally, different people may react differently to the same drug. Therefore, DO NOT give your drug to others or take other person's medication even if you experience similar symptoms. If you are pregnant, breast feeding, or suffering from any illness such as liver, kidney or heart failure, you must consult your doctor first before taking any medication.
Drug Frequencies
For some drugs, the timing of their doses depends on how long their effects last. The frequencies may differ as follows:
- Once daily (od)-The drug is best to be administered 24 hourly.
- Twice daily (bd)-The drug is best to be administered 12 hourly.
- Three times daily (tds)-The drug is best to be administered 8 hourly.
- Four times daily (qid)-The drug is best to be administered 6 hourly.
- Five times daily-The drug is best to be administered 4 hourly but omitting the night dose.
Drugs are also best taken at the same time each day. However, not all medications need to be taken at evenly spaced doses.
Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?
A: Missing a dose may cause a reduction of the drug amount in your body and hence reduce their effects. A pill reminder box or medication chart may be helpful in reminding you to consume the medication. If you miss a dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist. However, if you frequently miss the drug doses you should discuss it with your doctor.
Duration of the treatment
The duration of treatment that the doctor prescribes should be strictly followed unless you develop an allergic reaction to the medication, in which case you should consult your doctor first. If you are not sure or do not know about why you should continue taking the drug as prescribed, ask your doctor.
Stopping the treatment unnecessarily without your doctor's advice may cause a recurrence or aggravation of the illness. For example, if the doctor prescribes a drug to be taken three times daily for 7 days, most people tend to stop taking the drug when they start to feel better or the symptoms disappear, for example after 3 days. In the case of antibiotics, stopping abruptly and prematurely will provide the opportunity for microorganisms to survive. Eventually, the microorganisms will develop resistance to the drug.
You should visit your doctor for follow ups, periodic medical check-ups or drug monitoring if you are on long term drug treatments.
Drug dosage adjustments or drug substitution may be required for some patients.
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