SMP IX Grade : Label - Drug

 

Drug Interactions and Over-the-Counter Medicines

Over-the-counter (OTC) drug labels contain information about ingredients, uses, warnings and directions that is important to read and understand. The label also includes important information about possible drug interactions. Further, drug labels may change as new information becomes known. That's why it's especially important to read the label every time you use a drug.

• The "Active Ingredients" and "Purpose" sections list:
  • the name and amount of each active ingredient
  • the purpose of each active ingredient

• The "Uses" section of the label:
  
  • tells you what the drug is used for
  • helps you find the best drug for your specific symptoms

• The "Warnings" section of the label provides important drug interaction and precaution information such as
  • when to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before use
  • the medical conditions that may make the drug less effective or not safe
  • under what circumstances the drug should not be used
  • when to stop taking the drug

• The "Directions" section of the label tells you:
  • the length of time and the amount of the product that you may safely use
  • any special instructions on how to use the product

• The "Other Information" section of the label tells you:
  • required information about certain ingredients, such as sodium content, for people with dietary restrictions or allergies

• The "Inactive Ingredients" section of the label tells you:
  • the name of each inactive ingredient (such as colorings, binders, etc.)

• The "Questions?" or "Questions or Comments?" section of the label (if included):
  • provides telephone numbers of a source to answer questions about the product

Learning More About Drug Interactions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the drugs you take. When your doctor prescribes a new drug, discuss all OTC and prescription drugs, dietary supplements, vitamins, botanicals, minerals and herbals you take, as well as the foods you eat. Ask your pharmacist for the package insert for each prescription drug you take. The package insert provides more information about potential drug interactions.
Before taking a drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist the following questions:

• Can I take it with other drugs?
• Should I avoid certain foods, beverages or other products?
• What are possible drug interaction signs I should know about?
• How will the drug work in my body?
• Is there more information available about the drug or my condition (on the Internet or in
• health and medical literature)?

Know how to take drugs safely and responsibly. Remember, the drug label will tell you:

• what the drug is used for
• how to take the drug
• how to reduce the risk of drug interactions and unwanted side effects

If you still have questions after reading the drug product label, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information