Descriptions of label headings are included below. To see a Drug Facts Label with explanations, click on one of these links:
http://www.nclnet.org/OTClabels/Labels_2.html http://www.bemedwise.org/label/drug_label_print.pdf http://www.stjosephaspirin.com/vcrc/drugfacts/howtoreadlabel.jhtml
Active Ingredients are the specific chemical ingredients that make a drug work. This section also shows the amount of active ingredient in each dose.
Directions This is where you’ll find out how much of the medication to take, when, how and how often. Do not use medications longer than the time listed on the label. The label will tell you when to consult your health care provider if you have not had relief from your symptoms. Persistent symptoms may signal a serious problem that requires attention and treatment by your health care provider.
Purpose explains the class of drug. For example, you might see the word antihistamine under "purpose" on a label for an allergy medication.
Uses/Indications What you should use the drug for. Make sure you find a medication that relieves only the symptoms you need it to. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for help in choosing the right medications for your symptoms.
Other Information This area will include information, as necessary, on how to store the medication.
Inactive ingredients This is the list of ingredients that are only used as additives for color, flavor, binding, or bulk.
Do not use... Lists when the product should not be used under any circumstances
Ask a doctor before use if you have... Some labels have warnings for people with chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, asthma, or diabetes. People older than 65 or younger than two may not be able to take some OTCs. This section explains who should consult a health care provider before taking the medications.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are... Sometimes the food you eat, other medicines you take, or tobacco can interact<Link to Drug Interaction> with medications. On this portion of the label, companies will list foods or beverages to avoid while taking the medication. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about all the medications you take, both prescription and over-the-counter. Don't forget to mention any dietary supplements<link to Dietary Supplements> too; they can also interact with medications.
When using this product... For most people OTCs are safe, effective, and without complications. But some people do experience side effects. The most common side effects are listed on the label. If you have a side effect to an OTC, re-read the label. Most side effects are minor nuisances, but should be discussed with your doctor. If the side effect is severe<link to Allergic Reaction> or continues, you should stop taking the medication and call your health care professional. This part of the label will also describe substances or activities to avoid while taking the medication. Two warnings commonly found on OTCs are:
a. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine. People also ignore or forget this common warning when taking OTCs, but mixing alcohol and medications<link to OTCs and Alcohol> can cause serious problems. For example, combining alcohol and certain OTC medications for colds, coughs, and allergies can cause excessive sleepiness, mental confusion, or breathing difficulty. Sometimes the combination makes the medicine less effective<link to Drug Interaction>.
b. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery. Many people ignore this warning on some OTC medications. Driving after taking some non-prescription medicines such as cold, cough, and allergy or sleep aids can cause impaired judgment and reaction time. Use the medications only as recommended. Remember that medications may affect people differently. It may take 2 or 3 doses before you know how a medication will affect you.
Stop use and ask a doctor if... When side effects are severe<link to Allergic Reaction> or continue, you should stop taking the medication and call your health care professional. This section will explain the serious side effects that warrant an immediate call to your doctor.
Pregnancy/breastfeeding warning. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should always consult a doctor before taking any medication.
Keep out of reach of children. This warning explains what to do in case of an overdose.