How to keep one medication list for your parent
When several doctors, a hospital and a pharmacy each keep their own list, the lists drift apart. One written list that you keep current, and bring to every visit, gives everyone the same starting point.
Last checked against the sources below: October 23, 2026.
Why does one medication list help?
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes that older adults often have several conditions and take many medicines, and suggests showing a written list to all health care providers, including physical therapists and dentists [2]. AHRQ suggests telling the health care team about every medicine, vitamin and supplement, including those other doctors prescribed [3]. NIA also suggests filling prescriptions at one pharmacy where possible so the records are in one place, and sharing the list with each pharmacist when that isn't possible [2].
What should a medication list include?
The FDA's "My Medicine Record" form has a column for each item below [1]. NIA's and AHRQ's guides ask for much the same [2][5].
| Record this | Notes |
|---|---|
| Name | Brand and generic name; for over-the-counter products, the name and active ingredients |
| Strength and amount | Copied exactly as the label or prescriber wrote it |
| How and when it is taken | The directions as written on the label |
| Why it is taken | The reason the prescriber gave |
| Who prescribed it | Name and how to reach them |
| Start date | And an end date, if there is one |
| What it looks like | Color, shape, size, markings |
The FDA form also has space for allergies or problems with any medicine, medical conditions and operations, contacts for the primary care doctor, pharmacy and an emergency contact, and a line that reads "These are my medicines as of" a date [1].
Include everything. The FDA form says to enter all prescription medicines (including samples), all over-the-counter medicines and all dietary supplements, whether used all the time or only some of the time [1]. NIA and AHRQ also ask for vitamins and supplements [2][3].
Copy, don't interpret
Write names and directions exactly as printed on the label. If an abbreviation or term isn't clear, NIA suggests asking the pharmacist to explain it, and notes the pharmacist can print a label in larger type [2]. Next to each line, note where you copied it from and the date.
Why do medication lists disagree after a hospital stay?
AHRQ's Patient Safety Network explains that patients often get new medicines, or changes to existing ones, at "transitions of care": hospital admission, transfers inside the hospital, and discharge. Most of these changes are intended, but unintended ones happen often. For example, hospital clinicians may not be able to see the full list from before admission, or may not know about recent changes [4]. A discharge list can then leave something out, list something twice, or show a different amount than intended [4]. Comparing lists at each transition is called medication reconciliation [4].
AHRQ's discharge guide for patients includes a medicine schedule and asks patients to take it to their future appointments [5]. Keep that paper with your list.
What do I do when two lists don't match?
Don't try to settle it yourself. Write the difference down word for word, and take it to the prescriber or pharmacist. For example:
Lists disagree: the discharge papers dated [date] show [medicine and directions, as written]; the pharmacy label dated [date] shows [as written]. Ask the prescriber which is current.
Bring both papers. Good questions are "Which of these is current?" and "Can your list be updated to match?" The answer belongs to the prescriber or pharmacist. Your part is to record it, with the date and who said it.
How do I keep the list up to date?
- Add each new medicine or new dose as soon as a prescriber or pharmacist gives it. AHRQ suggests updating the list whenever either happens [3].
- Show the list to the doctor and the pharmacist at every visit [1][3].
- Put the date on it every time you update it [1].
- Keep copies. NIA suggests one at home and one in a wallet or purse [2]; AHRQ suggests giving a copy to a family member or friend [3]; the FDA form suggests keeping a printed copy with you [1].
- After any hospital stay, put the discharge papers next to your list and write down each difference for the prescriber [4][5].
What this list is not
It is a record, not instructions. We don't give dosing or drug-interaction advice. Questions about whether a medicine or amount is right for your parent go to the prescriber or pharmacist.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "My Medicine Record," Form FDA 3664 (form dated 3/11; file last modified May 27, 2022; read October 23, 2026).
- National Institute on Aging (NIH), "Taking Medicines Safely as You Age" (content reviewed September 22, 2022; read October 23, 2026).
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, "Your Medicine: Be Smart. Be Safe." (page last reviewed November 2020; read October 23, 2026).
- AHRQ Patient Safety Network (PSNet), "Medication Reconciliation" (primer last reviewed 2024, dated December 15, 2024; read October 23, 2026).
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, "Taking Care of Myself: A Guide for When I Leave the Hospital" (page last reviewed November 2020; read October 23, 2026).
General information to help you organize, not medical, legal or financial advice. Rules change and individual situations differ: check the official source, the notice you received, or a qualified professional. Starry Night is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, CMS, HHS or any health system.