用药常识：正确用药

　　正确用药

　　Take medicine only as directed, at the right time, and for the full length of your prescribed treatment. If you are using an over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicine, follow the directions on the label unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you feel that your medicine is not working for you, check with your doctor.

　　严格按医嘱正确服药，并服完整个疗程。服用非处方药时，如无医嘱规定，应按药品标签说明服药。如感觉药品不起作用，应咨询医生。

　　Different medicines should never be mixed in one container, unless done by your pharmacist. It is best to keep your medicines tightly capped in their original containers when not in use. Do not remove the label since directions for use and other important information may appear on it.

　　除药剂师外，他人概不得将不同药品混放在一个容器内。不用时，最好将药品放在原始包装内，盖紧。不要撕掉药瓶标签说明，因其可能含有使用说明及其他重要信息。

　　To avoid mistakes, do not take medicine in the dark. Always read the label before taking, especially noting the expiration date and any directions for use.

　　为避免差错，勿在暗处服药。坚持在服用前先看药瓶标签，并特别注意其有效期和使用说明。

　　For oral (by mouth) medicines

　　口服药

　　In general, it is best to take oral medicines with a full glass of water. However, follow your doctor's directions. Some medicines should be taken with food, while others should be taken on an empty stomach.

　　一般情况下，服用口服药时最好用开水。但应以医嘱为准。有些药品应与食物同时服用，还有些药品则应空腹服用。

　　When taking most long-acting forms of a medicine, each dose should be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing unless you have been specifically told that it is all right to do so.

　　服用长效型药品时，每一剂型应整体服用，不得在吞服前弄破、压碎或咀嚼，除非医生另行交待。

　　If you are taking liquid medicines, you should use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. Ask your pharmacist about these devices. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of medicine.

　　服用液体药品时应使用专用刻度药匙或其他量具正确测量每次剂量。也可询问药剂师。普通家用茶匙可能导致药量不准。

　　Oral medicine may come in a number of different dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids. If you have trouble swallowing the dosage form prescribed for you, check with your doctor. Another dosage form that you can swallow more easily may be available.

　　口服药有多种剂型，如片剂、胶囊、液剂等。如吞服有困难，可咨询医生，医生可为你开具其他易于服用的药品剂型。

　　Use of child-resistant caps on medicine containers is required by law. However, if you find it hard to open such caps, you may ask your pharmacist for a regular, easier-to-open cap. He or she can provide you with a regular cap if you request it. However, you must make this request each time you get a prescription filled.

　　法律要求使用防止儿童打开的瓶盖，但是，如果你觉得这种瓶盖难以打开，可以要求药剂师为你提供普通、容易打开的瓶盖。药剂师可按你要求提供。每次配药你均须如此请求。