Records

• Keep a record of all your current medicines, including their names and regimens (dose, time, and other instructions for taking).
• Write down any problems you have with the medicine so you can discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage and Administration

• Using adequate light, read labels carefully before taking doses.
• Ask the doctor's or pharmacist's advice before crushing or splitting tablets; some should only be swallowed whole.
• Never stop taking medicine the doctor has told you to finish just because symptoms disappear.
• Carefully read OTC medicine labels for ingredients, proper uses, directions, warnings, precautions, and expiration dates. Many medicines contain the same ingredients. Be sure you are not taking the same drug in more than one form. 
• Never take someone else's medicine.
  • Tell your health professional if you:
  • are breast-feeding or are, or may be, pregnant
  • are allergic to drugs or foods
  • have diabetes or kidney or liver disease
  • take other prescription or OTC medicines regularly
  • follow a special diet or take dietary supplements
  • use alcohol or tobacco

Communication

• Contact the doctor or pharmacist if new or unexpected symptoms or other problems appear.
• Ask the doctor periodically to reevaluate long-term treatments.
• If you have questions, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using an OTC medicine the first time, especially if you use other medicine.

Storage

• Discard outdated medicine.
• Store medicine in the original container, where the label identifies it and gives directions.
• Never store medicine in the bathroom. Unless instructed otherwise, keep it away from heat, light and moisture.
• Never store medicine near a dangerous substance, which could be taken by mistake.