Tips For Using Asthma Medication   Take the medication exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not take more medication than your doctor recommends. Never skip medication because you're feeling well and you don't think you need it. Take medications promptly as instructed by your doctor when early symptoms occur, usually within 5 minutes of the first symptom. Keep a short acting bronchodilator inhaler with you at all times. Be sure your doctor and your pharmacist know all the drugs that you're taking. Do not smoke cigarettes or take illegal drugs. Be alert for side effects and report them promptly to your doctor. Take oral medications with food unless instructed otherwise. When using inhaled corticosteroids, be sure to rinse your mouth after inhaling. Store your medications properly. Dispose of medications you are no longer using.   ABOUT THIS PROGRAM | UNDERSTANDING ASTHMA MANAGING YOUR ASTHMA | CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA | FOR MORE INFORMATION | MAIN PAGE     BACK TO HEALTHWORKS © 1998 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.