Answered by:
Stuart D. Federman, PharmD, AAHIVP
Gateway Apothecary
Saint Louis, MO


Try to make sure you take your medicine as directed. However, if you accidentally doubled your dose, take your normal dose at the next scheduled time.

Most medications are broken down by the body and last between 12 to 24 hours. Even at a doubled dose, the body still metabolizes the drug at a similar rate, which requires you to take the next dose at your regularly scheduled time.

Depending on what medication is taken, there may be an increased risk for side effects and it may be advisable to contact your pharmacist or poison control center to be advised on possible reactions to the higher dose of medication.

Additional writing by Amanda Wong, student pharmacist at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.