How to give allergy or pain medication
Instruction
In this topic you will learn how to give a person allergy or pain medication, and how to advise a person to remove an allergen.
Allergies
Allergies that affect the eyes can be treated with allergy eye drops.
It is also important to remove the allergen wherever possible. An allergen is a tiny particle, for example pollen, that lands on the surface of the eye and causes an allergic reaction.
If you can work out what is causing the person’s allergy you should advise them to remove the allergen. Common examples include pollen and animal fur.
Remember Zora?
Zora and her family live in a rural village. Over the past week Zora spent a lot of time outside harvesting crops.
Zora developed an allergy that affected her eyes. This was likely caused by pollen from harvesting crops.
If it is possible for Zora to take a break from harvesting, this will improve her symptoms.
Sometimes it is not possible to remove the allergen.
Allergy eye drops can help to treat the symptoms of allergies.
Some allergy eye drops are intended for short term use only. Always follow the instructions on the medication label.
Discussion
- Do you provide allergy eye drops in your role?
- What instructions would you give a person when providing allergy eye drops?
Discuss with your colleagues.
Pain
When a person has a red eye problem with pain, providing pain medication can be helpful.
Pain medication provides temporary relief from pain but will not address the cause of the pain.
Giving pain or allergy medication
Warning
The information in this topic is general advice only. Only provide medication if you are qualified to do so. If providing pain or allergy medication, always:
- Check the expiry date to ensure the medication has not expired
- Ask if the person has any allergies to medication (or ingredients in medication), and do not provide the medication if in doubt
- Read the dosage and instructions label on the medication you are using
- If in doubt, discuss with a health professional or refer the person to a health professional who can safely provide the medication.
- Do you provide pain relief medication in your role? If so, what pain relief medications do you provide?
- What instructions would you give a person when providing pain relief medication?
Discuss with your colleagues.
Record
Record in the Action taken section of the PEC Screen form by ticking ‘Provided medication’.
Write the type and dose of medication, and the instructions you have given to the person.