At one point or the other, we have all had to get medications for either ourselves or our loved ones. However, because health issues are never to be taken for granted, we tend to dash in and out of the pharmacy without checking the information on the bottle or packaging.
While there is nothing wrong with relying on the words of your doctor and pharmacist, you should also care to know more about what you are buying and how it affects your health. You will agree that health practitioners are busy folks, and they don’t have all the time to tell you the nitty-gritty of every medicine.
One way of learning more about your medications, especially over-the-counter (OTC) medications, is by reading the labels and understanding what it says. But pharmacy labels can be quite tasking to read if you don’t know what you are looking for.
We will guide you through this maze and share easy tips on how to read pharmacy labels for OTC medications so you can make informed choices about your health.
Tag along!
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Identify the Medication Name
Start by locating the medication’s name. This is usually displayed prominently on the front of the packaging.
It’s the name you’ll recognize, like “Paracetamol” or “Ibuprofen.” This name represents the active ingredient in the medication, the part that provides its therapeutic effect.
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Check the Dosage
The next thing you should look for after the medication name is the dosage information. This is important because it tells you how much active ingredient is in each dose.
This information is commonly listed on the front of the package, and the dosage is in milligrams (mg). This information should be at your fingertips because it will guide you in taking the right amount of medication.
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Examine the Usage Instructions
It is now time to check what is written on the back of the package. If you turn the package around, you will find the usage instructions. As you can imagine, this will tell you how to take the medication safely and effectively.
It is always best to stick to these instructions because it will help you avoid any potential side effects and complications. You might see instructions like “take with food” or “do not exceed the recommended dose.”
If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist for clarification.
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Look for Active Ingredients
It is not unusual for medications to be made from several active ingredients. For example, cough syrup may contain paracetamol and dextromethorphan.
To save yourself from unwanted interactions with other medications, always check the list of active ingredients and understand how they work.
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Check the Expiry Date
While this may seem like general knowledge, many people do not remember to check the expiry dates when they buy medications, and this is very risky because this date tells you the medication’s shelf life.
Ignoring this information will not only expose you to harm but can also complicate your health condition.
Additional Tips
In addition to all we have shared with you so far, some additional tips you should keep in mind about your medication is to store them properly as directed by the manufacturers. Some medications need to be stored in a cool, dry place, while others may require refrigeration.
So, the next time you pick up a box of OTC medication, take a moment to read and understand the pharmacy label. It’s a small effort that can have a big impact on your well-being. Stay informed, stay healthy.
