How to Read Medicine Labels

Posted On: 08/24/2023

Using medicine for illnesses and injuries are a normal part of raising a family. This could include treating headaches, sore throats, infections, nausea, poison ivy, allergies, or many other conditions.

Medicines come in many forms, including:

Sometimes you will need a prescription from a doctor. You can also buy many medicines at your local store or pharmacy. These are called 鈥渙ver-the counter鈥� drugs or medicines.

To make sure you buy the right medicine, you will need to read the label. To learn more about medicine labels, check out this video from Dr. Meenu Jindal, a pediatrician in North Texas.

What is a 鈥淒rug Facts鈥� Label?

Every over-the-counter (OTC) medicine at the store has a 鈥渄rug facts鈥� label.

This label has information about:

What the medicine does.
The medicine鈥檚 active ingredients.
How to use it for yourself and your children.
How to store it safely.

What Information Should I Read on the Label?

Active ingredients: This is the part of the medicine that makes it work. One common active ingredient is acetaminophen, a pain reliever. Another is pseudoephedrine, which is used to treat nasal congestion, or 鈥渞unny nose.鈥�

Purpose: This describes what the active ingredient does when you take the medicine. 鈥淧ain reliever鈥� and 鈥渇ever reducer鈥� are two examples.

Uses: This part of the label tells you the symptoms the medicine treats, such as heartburn or upset stomach.

Warnings: Some medicines are not safe for people with certain allergies or diseases. Also, one medicine can react badly with another. The 鈥渨arnings鈥� section will include information about any known safety issues, including those for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Directions: This section explains how much to give, how often to give it, and how long it can be used. If you give medicine to a child, be sure to give the correct dose for their weight. Also, be sure your child is old enough to safely take the medicine. Some should not be given to babies, toddlers, or children under age 12.

Other information: Read this to learn the right temperature to store the medicine.

Inactive ingredients: These ingredients can include coatings, preservatives, and dyes. They make the medicine easier to take and to identify, but they do not treat the symptoms. Make sure you or your child are not allergic to any of the inactive ingredients.