Understanding Drug Labels Textbook Assignment: Pickar, G. (2007). Dosage calculations: A ratio-proportion approach. (2nd ed.) Chapter 8 Revised KBurger 0808

Drug Names Brand, trade, proprietary Generic Manufacturer’s name for a drug Generic Established, nonproprietary name

Brand and Generic Names Brand name is usually most prominent Generic name must be on all drug labels Nurses must cross check medications to prevent errors

Brand and Generic Names

Identify the Brand Name

Identify the Generic Name

Dosage Strength Dosage weight or amount of drug provided in a specific unit of measurement

Identify Dosage Strength

Form Structure and composition of drug Solid forms for oral use Injectable Suppositories Creams Patches

Identify Form

Supply Dosage Both dosage and form Dosage per tablet Dosage per milliliter

Identify Dosage

Total Volume Full quantity contained in bottle or vial Total number of tablets or other solids Total fluid volume for liquids

Identify Volume

Administration Route Site of body or method of drug delivery Oral Enteral ( NG or GT ) Sublingual Injection ( IM, Subcut, IV, IVP, IVPB ) Otic Optic Topical Rectal Inhaled

Label Alerts Warnings or special alerts Examples Manufacturer Refrigerate at all times Keep in a dry place Manufacturer Pharmacies

Identify Administration Route Identify Label Alert

Other Parts of Label Manufacturer Expiration date Lot or control numbers National Drug Code Controlled Substance Schedule Bar Code USP of NF Unit or single dose Reconstitution instructions

Locate Expiration Date Locate Reconstitution Instructions

Other Considerations Combination Drugs Example: Percocet (Oxycodone & Acetaminophen) Supply Dosage in Ratio or Percent Example: Epinephrine 1:1000 Lidocaine 2%

Drug Calculations and Label Interpretations The MD has ordered: Furosemide 40 mg IVP Stat On hand is the medication pictured at right. How many mL will you administer?

Drug Calculations and Label Interpretations The MD orders: Clarithromycin 500 mg PO q12h pc On hand is the medication labeled as below. How many tablets will you give? When will you give them?