April 1, 2022

The answer to this question is dependent on the type of medications being taken. For example, some medications you can take as soon as you remember that you missed the dose or even the next day. Other medications you cannot double up on due to potentially harmful effects. Another factor that plays a role is how much time has elapsed after the missed dose.

One common example is missing a morning dose of blood pressure medicine. Some blood pressure medications can be taken later as long as they are remembered by noon. If they are taken later in the day, there is a risk of causing the blood pressure to be too low. However, that does not mean that the answer will be the same for all blood pressure medications. Another commonly missed dose is birth control tablets. In general, an old rule of thumb was if a dose is missed one day, the next day, you can double up and continue the pack as prescribed. If two days are missed, doubling up for the next two days is generally acceptable. If three days are missed, you probably need to start a new pack and consider that pack ineffective.

Your local pharmacist is your best resource and is always accessible to answer questions about missed doses and specific medications. Your pharmacist is in a unique position to help review your medication profile in its entirety to make the best recommendation for you. They can also help with suggestions for setting up daily routines for taking your prescriptions with less complex dosing schedules or even assisting with special compliance packaging that will help avoid missing doses and assist you in living a healthy life!