The manipulation of medications in order to administer them. It is important to carefully read the label or other printed instruction issued with medications. The ordered doses (quantities) should be measured accurately and never estimated. A measuring glass or spoon marked in milliliters, ounces, or both should be used. In giving a dose of medicine, it is necessary to know to whom it is to be given, what has to be given, when it has to be given, and the prescribed amount. If medicine is to be taken orally, the patient should be observed until he or she has actually swallowed it.