Look for the following information on the label of a prescription drug: the name, address and phone number of the pharmacy that dispensed it; the pharmacy-assigned prescription number; and the date it was prepared. Other required information includes the number of refills authorized by the doctor and the date by which the medication should be used.
Find the most important information in the center of the label: the person for whom the medication is prescribed; the name of the drug and the dosage prescribed, expressed in milligrams (mg); and the frequency with which the drug should be taken. Directions may also include whether the drug is taken with food or on an empty stomach, with a specific amount of water, when to stop taking it, etc.
Locate necessary information on the label of an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Most OTC drug labels follow the same pattern, and all use the same vocabulary.
"Active Ingredient(s)" tells you the medicinal ingredients in the pill, and "Purpose" tells you what kind of medicine that is. "Uses" expands on "Purpose," listing the symptoms the medicine is intended to treat.
"Warnings" is the most complex section of the directions. Under "Warnings," you will find a list of conditions about which you need to check with your doctor before taking the medication. "Warnings" also tells you other medications that, when taken with the drug, may cause a reaction. "Warnings" further tells you side effects, such drowsiness or a dry mouth, you may experience when taking the drug. "Warnings" ends with a caution for pregnant or breastfeeding women and a reminder to keep all medicines away from children.
"Directions" will tell you how much medication to take and how often; it will also tell you if young people or children need a different dose or a doctor's advice before taking it. "Other information" will tell you how to store the drug, sometimes adding cautions like "shake well," and usually including the expiration date. While not always headed "other information," an over-the-counter drug label must also include manufacturer's contact information for questions. This will include a telephone number and/or website.
"Inactive ingredients" lets you know what else is in the pill besides the medicinal ingredients. This information can be especially important to people who are allergic food colorings or flavorings or diabetics who watch their sugar intake.
Take several measures to be certain that you understand the directions for both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Ask questions of your pharmacist or doctor. If you are feeling severely under the weather, have a friend or relative read and review the directions with you. It may help to make a chart if you are taking several medications--this will avoid double-dosing or missing a medication. You may also find creating a chart useful if you are managing medications for a child or another adult.
Consult your doctor promptly about abrupt changes in the way you feel when taking a new medication. Some side effects are unavoidable. Some are minor and tolerable. Some will diminish with time. Others signal the need to change treatment. Let your doctor know immediately if you suspect you are experiencing a bad reaction to any medication.