Reading A Medication Label

Trade Name ( ) Always capitalized ® or ™ will follow the name  Name given by the United State Pharmacopeia- National Formulary  Lowercase letters

Drug strength Expressed in ( ) Concentration of active ingredient of medication in dosage form  Solid, liquid, or semisolid  Ex: tablet, solution, suppository

Abbrev. that modify drug forms SR- ( ) CR- controlled release LA or XL- ( ) DS- double strength TR- ( ) XR or ER- ( )

Route of administration Tells number of tablets, total volume, etc. Meds that for reconstitution will provide concentration after reconstitution and directions  The way the drug ( )  May tell the acceptable routes for administration

National drug code Identifies manufacturer, product, and size of container Contains at least ( ) and preceded by letters ( ) Drug manufacturer 6509-product code 01- size of container

Expiration date Last date for safe use Drug should be ( ) after this date Lot numbers are also included in case of recall  Gives additional information and advice to patient about use or special handling of medication  Storage labels

OTC Labels Must include: – Brand name – Active and inactive ingredients (and amounts) – Drug’s ( ) – Type of treatment it is designed for – Warnings, precautions – Possible ( ) – When to stop using the drug – When to consult a physician – Directions and dosage chart – Lot or batch # – Quantity of contents – ( )