How to read label information on drug packaging: function, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Many people often store drugs counter or over-the-counter drugs as supplies in the first aid kit. If at any time you are sick, just take the existing medicine without having to go to the pharmacy again.

These medicines have an informational label on the packaging that must be read carefully so as not to cause problems. Unfortunately, some people don't understand how to read drug labels on the market.

How to read information labels on drug packaging

Source: Science Friday

When taking medication, you may know the function and only pay attention to how many doses to take. In fact, reading all the information listed on the packaging is important to avoid various problems that will make the pain not get better.

By reading drug labels, you can avoid the risk of an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients used in the drug. The label also provides information about the use of other drugs together with the drug and its side effects.

In order not to take a wrong step, here are various information that are usually on the drug packaging label and you should read before drinking it.

1. Active ingredients

Active ingredients are a list of chemical compounds in drugs that work to relieve symptoms. For example, the active ingredients in the drug can relieve headaches, reduce fever, or relieve symptoms of stomach pain. One product can have more than one active ingredient.

Knowing the active ingredients contained in a drug is important when you are also undergoing treatment with other drugs. This is to ensure that you do not take more than one type of drug with the same active ingredient so that it does not pose a danger to liver health.

2. Usage

The use or often listed on the drug label as an indication refers to the effect that is a function of a drug.

In this section, write down the symptoms of diseases that can be treated by the product. After knowing its use, continue taking the drug with the symptoms you feel.

3. Warning

The next section on the drug information label you should read is the warning. The active ingredients in the drug of course also have certain side effects or situations that must be avoided before you take this medicine.

For example, drugs are not recommended to be taken before you drive or drugs are prohibited for women who are pregnant. The warning section also tells you if you need a doctor's consultation to consume it.

4. Instructions

This section contains instructions for the safe use of medications, including how much medicine to take at one time, how often you should take it, and when to take the medication. There is usually a difference in dosage and frequency for children and adults.

For liquid medicine, sometimes there are products that do not provide a special shot for taking medicine. Therefore, you may need a tool such as a tablespoon, teaspoon, or measuring cup.

Instructions are important drug information and must be followed for proper dosage. Medicines do not usually include warnings about overdoses, so hopefully you should take the medication according to the directions to avoid overdose problems from medical drugs.

5. Other information on drug labels

Other information listed on the label contains notes that must be known about the drug, such as how and where to store it. Some of the active ingredients in the drug cannot withstand excessive heat, cold, or moisture.

So that the function of the drug is not damaged, keep the medicine in accordance with written information. Usually recommended storage temperatures and warnings for keeping medicines away from children are also included in this section.

6. Inactive ingredients

Inactive ingredients are ingredients in the manufacture of drugs that do not function as symptom relief, but only as a complement.

The ingredients included in this section include flavoring agents, capsules for binding active ingredients in pill form, and food coloring.

Usually these ingredients have no effect on the patient. It's just that you still need to know if you have an allergy to certain ingredients to be safe when consuming them.

Some people often hesitate to take drugs because they are not sure about their effects on the body. Fortunately, over-the-counter medicinal products also include the telephone number of the manufacturer where you can contact them if you have questions about drugs.

If you have conditions such as illness, allergies, or are pregnant, check with your doctor first before choosing a drug to drink. There is no need to take medication if the goal is not to treat symptoms.