Accidentally taking the same medication twice can happen easily, especially when you take several medications or cannot remember whether you already took a dose.

An extra dose may cause no serious problem with some medications, while others can be dangerous. What you should do depends on the medication, strength, amount taken, and when you took it.

Is One Extra Dose Dangerous?

Not always, but you should not assume it is safe.

Some medications have a wider safety margin than others. With certain medications, even one additional dose can increase the risk of serious side effects.

If you are unsure, contact your pharmacist or poison centre rather than waiting to see what happens.

What Should I Do Right Away?

Check the medication bottle or package and confirm:

• The medication name and strength
• Your usual dose
• How much you accidentally took
• What time you took each dose

Keep the medication container with you when calling for advice.

Do not try to make yourself vomit.

Should I Skip My Next Dose?

Do not automatically skip it or change your medication schedule.

What to do with your next dose depends on the specific medication and how close together the doses were taken. A pharmacist or healthcare provider can tell you when it is appropriate to take your next scheduled dose.

What Symptoms Should I Watch For?

Possible symptoms vary greatly between medications.

An extra dose may cause dizziness, nausea, unusual sleepiness, changes in blood pressure or heart rate, low blood sugar, bleeding, or other effects depending on the medication.

Some medication overdoses do not cause symptoms immediately. Feeling fine right after the mistake does not always mean there is no risk.

When Is It an Emergency?

Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, stops breathing, or becomes severely unwell.

For a possible medication overdose in Ontario, you can also contact the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-800-268-9017. They can assess the medication, dose, timing, and other factors to determine whether further medical care is needed.

How Can I Prevent Double Dosing?

Blister packaging can make it much easier to see whether you have already taken a dose.

SanoMed Compounding Pharmacy offers blister packs that organize your medications by day and time, helping reduce missed doses, accidental double doses, and confusion when managing several medications.

Medication reminders or a written schedule can also help. If more than one person manages medication for a child or family member, make sure each dose is clearly recorded.