Medicines - tips for the safe use of medicines
Every year thousands of problems arise from misuse of medicines. Find out how to use them safely.
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How to use medicines properly
Many people don't take their prescribed medicines. Dr Norman Swan explains why you should talk to your doctor about any problems you're having with medicines.
MedicinesHow to use painkillers effectively
The optimal treatment for pain depends on whether it's short or long term pain and how severe it is. Dr Norman Swan explains.
Medicines PainWhen to take your medicine
Many people who are taking tablets or other medicines are not sure about the best time to take them.
MedicinesWhat are the long-term risks of taking heartburn drugs?
Efforts to decrease the use of proton-pump inhibitors haven’t been effective, and these drugs do carry risks when used for extended periods.
Latest Health News MedicinesAntibiotics
Antibiotics attack bacteria - germs responsible for certain infections. Each antibiotic attacks different types of bacteria and will be useful for treating particular infections.
MedicinesNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
The painkilling effects of NSAIDs begin quickly, but the anti-inflammatory effect takes longer. Common NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen and mefenamic acid.
MedicinesGrapefruit interactions with medicines
Grapefruit and its juice can cause interactions with some medicines, which can have serious or potentially deadly consequences.
MedicinesAspirin - side effects, dosage and low-dose
Aspirin is used to treat pain and fever and also has a role in preventing heart attacks and strokes. Find out the side effects and who should not take aspirin.
MedicinesPrescription medicines: 10 tips for using them safely
Here are some quick tips to help you make the most of the medicine your doctor prescribes and ensure that you take and dispose of it safely.
MedicinesCorticosteroid injections
Corticosteroids are medicines used to treat inflammation. Depending on the condition, steroid injections can relieve pain for several weeks to months.
Medicines PainMedicines: understanding your medicines
When your doctor gives you a prescription for a medicine, it has been a careful process and you have been part of the decision making.
MedicinesSchizophrenia medicines
Antipsychotic medicines work by helping to restore the brain’s natural chemical balance. While these medicines cannot cure schizophrenia, they can relieve or improve symptoms.
Medicines Mental HealthParacetamol for children
The correct dose of paracetamol for a child depends on their weight. Find out about using paracetamol in kids.
Babies & Pregnancy MedicinesAntipsychotic medication
The best treatment for psychotic illness usually includes a combination of antipsychotic medication, psychological therapy and community support.
Medicines Mental HealthMedicines line: telephone service
Medicines Line telephone service provides Australians with trusted information about prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines.
MedicinesMedicinal cannabis: uses and side effects
Medicinal cannabis (medical marijuana) is cannabis that's prescribed by a doctor to relieve symptoms or treat a condition. There are several natural and man-made types that can be accessed in Australia.
Medicinal cannabis MedicinesHay fever treatments
Antihistamines work fast and are good at treating mild symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing and runny nose, whereas corticosteroid nasal sprays may take several days to work.
Allergy MedicinesMonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can be useful in treating depression but have the potential for serious side effects and interactions with other medicines, plus certain foods and drinks.
Medicines Mental HealthSerotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors for depression
Venlafaxine, duloxetine and desvenlafaxine are medicines called serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They are used to treat depression and some anxiety disorders and nerve pain.
Medicines Mental Health