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What to Include in a Medication List

Planning on visiting the dentist or doctor anytime soon? As you may know, it's standard practice for a nurse, dental hygienist, doctor, or dentist--whoever you're seeing--to ask for a list of the current medications you're taking. The list should include prescriptions, herbal products, and over-the-counter drugs. Before your visit, prepare a thorough list. Make sure that the list includes these things:

The name of each medication you take

Be very detailed in this list. For example, rather than saying "Vitamin B", list the brand of the vitamin and specify whether you take a certain type, such as B1 or B12.

The more specific you can be, the more your dentist can understand your health condition and how your current prescription list might interact with any medications given during or after your appointment.

What the medications treat

Explain what the medications are for so that your dentist understands why you're taking these prescriptions. When he or she understands your health condition(s), your medical team can take the best approach possible in caring for your dental health.

The dosage orders and strength

In the spirit of giving as much information to your dentist as possible, be sure to also name the dosage orders and strength of the medication.

This will help your dentist know how your current medications might interact with any other medications necessary during your visit or afterward as part of your treatment plan.

How/when/how long you've been taking the medications

Your dentist should also know your medication history. Bring information about how long you've been taking your prescriptions, when you began taking them and how you take your medications. For example, do you take medications with or without food, in capsules or in liquid form, or even as shots. The more information your dentist has, the more they can tailor your treatment plan to fit your needs.

Too much info? Take pictures!

If you don't want to write it all down, take a picture of each medication label, herbal product, or other drugs so you can show your healthcare professional. This is an easy way to show your doc what you've been taking and what your daily regimen looks like.

Have a question? We’ve done the research and are here to help! To chat with one of our team members, you can call us at (888) 890-1944 or e-mail us at info@directbenefits.com.

Of note: The information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. These tips are from doctors, nurses and people who have shared their real-life advice; always check with a doctor or other appropriate medical professional you trust before making any healthcare changes. Again, speak to your doctor before using any form of medication - prescription or nonprescription drugs.