Medication safety
Think You Took the Wrong Medicine or an Extra Dose?
If you may have taken the wrong medicine, an extra dose, or the wrong amount, get specific advice promptly. The right response depends on the product, amount, time, and person. Feeling well immediately afterward does not reliably rule out harm.
What to do next
- In the United States, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 for prompt advice. Keep the package or label nearby.
- Be ready to describe the medicine, strength, amount, time taken, age, weight if known, and current symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting or try a home remedy unless a poison specialist instructs you.
- Ask what to do about the next scheduled dose and follow-up; do not guess how to compensate.
When to contact your care team
Call 911 immediately if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened. Do not wait for a routine portal response in a possible poisoning. Emergency and poison-center instructions take priority over a general handout.
Put it into practice
After the immediate issue is addressed, ask the pharmacist or care team how to prevent a repeat. Possibilities to discuss include clearer labels, separating similar containers, or a medication checklist. Describe what happened without blame so the next routine can be safer.
Notes for your next visit
Write these in your own notes or on a printed copy. Bring them to your follow-up.
- Medicine/package information to have ready:
- What may have been taken and when:
- Advice received, time, and follow-up instructions:
Sources and further reading
General education for adults. Follow your clinician’s individual plan and the current instructions for your prescribed product. This handout is not a complete medication guide. If instructions conflict, ask your clinician or pharmacist to clarify. For a medical emergency, call 911.