How to Organize and Take Your Medications Correctly
- safemedseniors
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
Updated: May 30
As we grow older, taking charge of our medications can become overwhelming. Sometimes we take incorrect doses, wrong medication, or even forget to take our medications – all these can lead to serious health risks. However, it is possible to stay on track and ensure medication safety by following the tips below:
1. Use a Pill Organizer
A weekly or monthly pill organizer is one of the simplest ways to keep medications organized. Choose one with compartments for morning, afternoon, and evening doses to avoid confusion.
Tip: If you take multiple medications, consider a color-coded pill organizer to separate them by type or time of day.
PILL ORGANIZER (#6,000)
PILL ORGANIZER WITH LEATHER CASE (#8,000)
2. Set Medication Reminders
Using alarms or smartphone apps can help you remember when it’s time to take your medications. You can place a simple written schedule in a visible spot around the house (e.g., bedside table, refrigerator or where you normally eat) if you are finding it difficult to navigate through your phone.
Options for Reminders:
Set an alarm on your phone or clock.
Ask a family member or caregiver to remind you.
3. Link Medication to your Daily Routine.
Taking your medications during a habit you are already used to doing daily can make it easy to remember your medications.
Examples:
Take your morning pills after brushing your teeth or immediately after your breakfast if meal time is constant.
Take evening medications after the last meal of the day if the meal time is constant or just before getting into bed.
If going for a walk is an everyday routine, you can take your medication just before you go.
4. Keep a Medication List
Write down all the medications you take and include the following:
The name of the medication
The dose and time you take it
The purpose of the medication
Any special instructions (e.g., “Take with food, on empty stomach, etc)
Tip:Â Always keep a copy with you when going to see your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure you show them to avoid duplications or discrepancies.
5. Store Medications Properly
To ensure optimum effectiveness and safety, store medications in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity. Avoid keeping them in the bathroom or kitchen where heat and moisture can degrade them.
Best Storage Spots:
A designated medication drawer or shelf in the room and away from the window where sunlight shines in.
A bedside table (for nighttime medications)
6. Check two or more times before taking any medication, especially when you have look alike or even sound alike medications to avoid mistakes.
Always:
Read the label properly before taking a dose and if not clear do not hesitate to seek help.
Use good lighting to see pills and labels clearly.
Do not mix medications in the same container to prevent confusion. Always retain the original packaging if possible.
7. Book appointments for Medication Review
This can be done every quarter or more depending on the number of medications you are taking to ensure that:
You are taking the right medications at the right time and dose.
Drug-drug, drug-food and other drug interactions are avoided.
Your dosages are still appropriate for your health needs.
8. Ask for Help from the Pharmacist when Needed.
We are a call away to help you manage your medications and even relate with your doctor if necessary if you are struggling with medication management.
Concluding points.
Staying organized with your medications is key to maintaining good health. By using pill organizers, reminders, routines, and proper storage, will help ensure you are taking medications safely and correctly every time.