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Warning-sign checks

Liquid medication administration: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, blue or grey lips, collapse, a seizure, severe choking, or difficulty waking.

    If the wrong medicine or dose may have been given, contact your local poison control service or emergency service promptly.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Do not wait for symptoms before asking for advice.

    Less urgent questions about taste, storage, measuring devices, missed doses, or mild side effects can usually be handled through routine contact with a pharmacist or prescribing healthcare professional.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

Call your healthcare team before the next dose if you develop a new rash, cannot keep the medicine down, have increasing trouble swallowing, or do not understand the label.

Also call if a feeding tube becomes blocked or the medicine repeatedly leaks back out.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Liquid medication administration. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.