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

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

3. 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

4. Brand and Generic Names

5. Identify the Brand Name

6. Identify the Generic Name

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

8. Identify Dosage Strength

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

10. Identify Form

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

12. Identify Dosage

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

14. Identify Volume

15. 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

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

17. Identify Administration Route Identify Label Alert

18. 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

19. Locate Expiration Date Locate Reconstitution Instructions

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

21. 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?

22. 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?