How to Read Medication Labels
- 1). Examine the label on the prescription medication bottle or package. The name, address and phone number of the pharmacy that filled the prescription is listed. The doctor who prescribed the medication is also listed. If you have questions about your prescription, call either the doctor or the pharmacy. If you call the pharmacy, you may need to give them the identification number of the medication. This number is also listed on the label, below the pharmacy's information.
- 2). Note the name of the patient who is receiving the medication, which is also listed on the drug label. This can help prevent you from mixing up medications when dealing with multiple prescriptions. Only the person who is listed on the drug label should take that medication.
- 3). Read the directions for use, below the information about the pharmacy and the patient. It may say something similar to: "Take one capsule twice daily for 15 days." Follow these instructions exactly. If you take a pill once per day, take it at the same time every day. If you need to take more than one pill daily, space them out evenly. For example, take one pill with breakfast and the second with dinner.
- 4). Check the name of the medication, which is listed below the directions for use. Following the medication's name is the strength of the medication. For example, the label may look like this: "Amoxicillin 250 mg." Amoxicillin is the drug, which is a type of antibiotic. The amount of the drug in each capsule is 250 mg.
- 5). Examine the number of refills left on the prescription. Not all prescriptions will have refill allowances. It may say "No refills" or it may say "1 refill." Following the number of refills, the drug label will also tell you the expiration date. For example, it may say "Use before 7/7/15." Do not use a medication past its expiration date
- 6). Read the warnings on the label. For example, one warning may be that you should not combine the medication with alcohol. Another warning may inform you that the medication may make you dizzy. If you have any concerns about possible side effects, like dizziness, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
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