Highlights
- Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals. They specialize in medicines and provide expert advice on their safe use.
- Pharmacists work in community pharmacies, hospitals, and health centers. They dispense medications and offer health-related services.
- They can guide you on medicine safety during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and childhood.
In This Article
- Understanding the Role of a Pharmacist
- Education and Training of Pharmacists
- Why Consult a Pharmacist During Pregnancy or Parenthood
- Pharmacy-Based Health Services
- Getting the Most from Your Pharmacist
- Medicine Safety During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Medicine Safety for Children
- How to Find a Pharmacist
- Tools And Assistance
Understanding the Role of a Pharmacist
Pharmacists, also known as chemists, are experts in medications. They dispense prescribed medicines and provide medical advice. Their role includes ensuring that medicines are used safely and effectively.
They work in various healthcare settings, including pharmacies, hospitals, and research institutions. Some pharmacists specialize in maternal and child health.
Education and Training of Pharmacists
Pharmacists must complete a pharmacy degree and gain professional registration. They undergo rigorous training in medicine safety, interactions, and patient care.
Many pharmacists also complete additional certifications in areas like pediatrics, maternal health, or chronic disease management.
Why Consult a Pharmacist During Pregnancy or Parenthood
Pharmacists provide quick and accessible health advice. They can guide you on minor ailments and medication safety.
They assess whether a medicine is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. They also help manage common issues like nausea, heartburn, or pain relief.
For parents, pharmacists advise on the correct dosage of medicines for children. They can also help with common childhood conditions like fever, cough, or allergies.
Pharmacy-Based Health Services
Pharmacies provide more than just medicines. Many offer additional healthcare services, including:
- Pregnancy and postnatal care advice
- Infant health consultations
- Vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Diabetes and asthma care education
- Weight management programs
- Smoking cessation support
- Wound care and minor injury treatment
- Hearing and vision screening
Some pharmacies also have private consultation areas for one-on-one health discussions.
Getting the Most from Your Pharmacist
To receive the best advice, follow these tips:
- Inform the pharmacist if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Mention your child’s age and weight when asking about their medicines.
- Make a list of questions before your visit.
- Bring medication packaging if you need information about a specific medicine.
- Ask about alternative treatments if you’re unsure about a medicine.
- Be patient during busy times, as pharmacists may need time to provide detailed guidance.
Medicine Safety During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Not all medicines are safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always consult a pharmacist before taking any new medicine.
Pharmacists provide up-to-date information on which medicines are safe. They can suggest alternatives for managing common pregnancy symptoms.
Medicine Safety for Children
Pharmacists help ensure that children receive the right medicine at the correct dose. This is crucial, especially if:
- Your child is taking multiple medications.
- Your child has a liver or kidney condition.
- Your baby was born prematurely.
They also advise on over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements.
How to Find a Pharmacist
Many pharmacies are open beyond regular business hours. Some offer online consultations and home delivery services.
Use online pharmacy locators or health directories to find a nearby pharmacist. If you need urgent medication advice, check if your local pharmacy has a 24-hour service.
Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare. They provide expert guidance on medicine safety and general health. Whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for a child, your pharmacist is a valuable resource.
Tools And Assistance
- Community health workshops on topics like asthma management or baby care
- Dosage calculators for pediatric medications
- Educational brochures on safe medication use
- Mobile apps offering pharmacy Q&A and medicine reminders
- Access to drug interaction checkers
- Pharmacy helplines for after-hours advice
- Medication record booklets to track prescriptions for you and your child
- Breastfeeding and pregnancy medicine guidelines from pharmacists
Need more information?
Pharmacist – Better Health ChannelA pharmacist is a professional who specialises in preparing and dispensing medications, including medicines, ointments and tablets.Read more on Better Health Channel websiteSeeing a pharmacist: parents & kids guide | Raising Children NetworkA pharmacist is a primary health professional who can give you and your child advice about health, wellbeing, illness and treatment for common conditions.Read more on raisingchildren.net.au websiteVaccination from community pharmacy | NCIRSEver wondered which vaccines you can get from your local pharmacy? Find out here.Read more on National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) websiteAccess to UTI treatment in community pharmacies | SA HealthInformation for consumers on eligibility, cost and what to expect for assessment and treatment of an uncomplicated UTI at a local community pharmacyRead more on SA Health websiteAccess to the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) in community pharmacies | SA HealthHow to access resupply of the oral contraceptive pill at participating community pharmacies.Read more on SA Health websiteThe Morning After Pill | Emergency contraception | How to get morning after pill | Cost & Effectiveness – Sexual Health VictoriaEmergency contraception is also know as the morning after pill. It is available over the counter at the pharmacy without a prescription in Australia.Read more on Sexual Health Victoria websiteFinding reliable health information – Better Health ChannelTrusted health information can be found through your local doctor or pharmacy and other reliable health providers.Read more on Better Health Channel websiteWorms – threadworms – myDr.com.auThreadworms are the most common form of worm infection in Australia. Worms are easily treated with pharmacy medicines. Find out what products are available for worms.Read more on MyDoctor websiteComplementary medicines explainedComplementary medicines are taken by millions of Australians & sold in supermarkets and pharmacies. Find out more about them, & how to use them safely. Read more on NPS MedicineWise websiteChildren’s medicines: a guide | Raising Children NetworkChildren’s medicines are designed for children’s bodies. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about which medicines your child needs, and check dosage instructions.Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website
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