Right amount: How to get your medication dose correct

Taking the right amount of medicine matters. Too little may not help. Too much can harm. Here are practical, no-nonsense steps to make sure you get the dose that actually helps you — every time.

Read the label and ask questions

Start by reading the label on the bottle or package. Look for the active ingredient, the strength (like 250 mg), and the directions (how many, how often). If instructions say "take 1 tablet twice daily," that means one tablet in the morning and one in the evening — not two at once. When the directions are unclear, call your pharmacist or prescriber before taking the drug. Ask: what is one dose? How many times a day? Can I take this on an empty stomach?

Watch for special warnings: "take with food," "avoid alcohol," or "do not mix with certain medicines." If you use more than one doctor, confirm that no two prescriptions overlap in active ingredients.

Measure liquids and split pills safely

Never use a kitchen teaspoon to measure liquid medicine. Use the measuring cup, oral syringe, or dropper that comes with the medicine. These tools show milliliters (mL) and are accurate. If your child’s dose is weight-based, you’ll need the child’s weight in kilograms and the dose per kg — the pharmacy can calculate and label the correct mL to give.

For pills, only split tablets if the pill has a scored line and your doctor or pharmacist says it’s okay. Some pills have special coatings that release medicine slowly; cutting them can change how the drug works. Use a pill cutter for a clean split, not a knife.

If you miss a dose, check the label or the patient leaflet. Common advice: take the missed dose if it’s not too close to the next one, otherwise skip it. Never double up unless a clinician tells you to.

Keep a dosing log or use an app if you take multiple medicines. Pill boxes with day/time slots reduce mistakes. For kids, label each dose with the child’s name and the time — babysitters and daycare staff appreciate the clarity.

Be careful with over-the-counter and herbal products. They add active ingredients and can interact with prescriptions. Tell your pharmacist about vitamins, supplements, and cold medicines you’re using so they can spot interactions.

When should you call for help? If you feel dizzy, short of breath, have sudden swelling, chest pain, or other new symptoms after taking medicine, seek medical attention. Also call if the dose seems wrong, a pill looks different, or your pharmacist says the label doesn’t match your usual medication.

Getting the right amount is mostly routine: read the label, measure properly, confirm with a pharmacist, and track doses. Small habits — using an oral syringe, a pill box, or asking one quick question — prevent big problems. Stay safe and don’t hesitate to ask for help when something doesn’t add up.