Medication Errors—Cold and Cough Medicines

Sneezing, sore throat, a stuffy nose, coughing — everyone knows the symptoms of the common cold. It is probably the most common illness. Every year, adults get about 2-3 colds, and children get even more.

What can you do for your cold or cough symptoms? Besides drinking lots of fluids and getting plenty of rest, you may decide to take medicines. There are lots of different cold and cough medicines, and they do different things.

• Nasal decongestants – unclog a stuffy nose
• Cough suppressants – quiet a cough
• Expectorants – loosen mucus so you can cough it up
• Antihistamines – stop runny noses and sneezing
• Pain relievers – ease fever, headaches, and minor aches and pains

Before taking these medicines, read the labels carefully. Many cold and cough medicines contain the same active ingredients. For example, taking too much of certain pain relievers can lead to serious injury. Do not give cold or cough medicines to children under four, and don’t give aspirin to children. Finally, antibiotics won’t help a cold.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Medicines cure infectious diseases, prevent problems from chronic diseases, and ease pain. But medicines can also cause harmful reactions if not used correctly. Errors can happen in the hospital, at the doctor’s office, at the pharmacy, or at home. You can help prevent errors by

• Knowing your medicines. Keep a list of the names of your medicines, how much you take, and when you take them. Include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements and herbs. Take this list to all your doctor visits.
• Reading medicine labels and following the directions. Don’t take medications prescribed for someone else.
• Taking extra caution when giving medicines to children.
• Asking questions. If you don’t know the answers to these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Why am I taking this medicine?
• What are the common problems to watch out for?
• What should I do if they occur?
• When should I stop this medicine?
• Can I take this medicine with the other medicines on my list?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• 6 Tips to Avoid Medication Mistakes (Food and Drug Administration)
• How and when to get rid of unused medicines (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Keeping your medications organized (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Medication safety during your hospital stay (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Medication safety: Filling your prescription (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Storing your medicines (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Taking medicine at home – create a routine (Medical Encyclopedia)