How can I avoid getting the wrong medication for treatment of the common cold?

It is no surprise that many people are taking the wrong medication for treatment of their colds. You may have heard about this on the news and want to make sure you and your family get the right medication for your runny nose, cough, and aches and pains.

Here are four ways to help you avoid getting the wrong medication when you have a cold:

1. See your doctor. You can schedule an appointment with your doctor to confirm your cold is not a bacterial infection that may require antibiotics. While there, you can ask your doctor what he or she would recommend that you take to treat common cold symptoms.
2. Talk with a pharmacist. You can ask a pharmacist at your neighborhood pharmacy what medication he or she would recommend when your runny nose and cough won’t subside.
3. Read over-the-counter labels carefully. You can take a stroll through the cold and allergy medication aisle and carefully read the ingredients and labels.
4. Go online and review the pill through a pill identifier. If you received a prescription medication, you can go online to use a pill identifier to double check the pill’s size, shape, and color to confirm you are taking the correct medication.

While all of these tools are great to help you avoid taking the wrong medication, it is important to remember that doctors and pharmacists are humans who can make mistakes. If something doesn’t seem right, ask questions before taking any pill to help prevent medication errors. If you found this answer helpful, please feel free to share it with those you know on your favorite social media site.