According to the Drug Act 2035, a drug is a substance used to diagnose, treat or prevent diseases in humans, animals or birds, to cure or alleviate diseases, to destroy insects that cause diseases in humans, animals or birds, or to affect the physical structure or process of humans, animals or birds, or to include a substance applied to such a substance.

The proper use and treatment of drugs is called judicious use of drugs. Issues such as judicious use of drugs, quality service, and reasonable price are important in treatment. Every drug has its own method of consumption and use, but ironically! The practice of using drugs in its own way without following even the minimum rules of drug use is increasing.

Only drugs taken with the right medicine, dosage, time, and correct information can work effectively. And, this is the basis of effective treatment.

For this, attention should be paid to the judicious use of drugs. And, for this judicious use of medicines, there is a rule of '8R' in English. First: Right Patient (right patient), Second: Right Medicine (right medicine), Third: Right Dose (right quantity), Fourth: Right Dosage Form (right form of medicine), Fifth: Right Route (right medium), Sixth: Right Duration (right duration), Seventh: Right Education (right knowledge/consultation) and Eighth: Right Documentation (right record).

Along with this, other things that you need to know about taking medicines are as follows: Medicines should be taken only as per the doctor's prescription/advice. The right amount should be used. The prescribed time and duration should be completed. The prescribed quantity should be used for the prescribed time. The medicine label and instructions should be studied and followed carefully. Expired medicines should not be used. Do not use other people's medicines. Even if the disease is the same, the cause may be different, so the same medicine may not be suitable for everyone. If you notice a negative effect of the medicine, you should stop the medicine and see a doctor immediately. Special precautions should be taken to prevent serious problems. Similarly, the medicine should always be kept in a safe place.

It should always be kept out of the reach of children. This will prevent the risk of children using it. Antibiotics should not be used on their own. Using them unnecessarily can have a negative impact on health and can also increase the risk of disease resistance. Pay attention to food and drug interactions. Some medicines should be taken before meals and some only after meals. Alcohol and smoking can reduce or increase the effect of some medicines, so they should not be used as there is a risk of reaction.

Similarly, if you know that a medicine causes allergies, you should inform your doctor in advance. Not all medicines may be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Special precautions should be taken. Even if you have the same disease, do not reuse old or leftover medicines. Because even if the symptoms are the same, the cause of the disease may be different.

While taking medicines that cause drowsiness or dizziness, you should not do risky activities such as driving a car, machinery, climbing trees, or using sharp tools. Special precautions should be taken when using multiple medicines at the same time. Use only as advised by your doctor and pharmacist. Because there may be reactions between medicines.

After taking the medicine, it should be stored properly according to its nature. For example, those that need to be maintained in the refrigerator, in the case of others, keep it cool, dry, and away from the sun, or store it in a suitable place according to the nature of the medicine. If you have any other diseases or are taking medicines, you should inform your doctor and pharmacist. Because the medicine will have to be adjusted accordingly.