How to Read OTC Medication Labels

Reading and understanding the information labels on over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help you take them safely and effectively.

To use the products to their maximum benefit, you must read the labels carefully and understand what you’re taking and why, says the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA). To avoid medication mishaps, pay special attention if you’re taking more than one medicine, have a known allergy or are responsible for giving medication to a child or an elderly person.

To help you, a Drug Facts label is now required on almost all OTC drugs. All Drug Facts labels must list information in the same order, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The information must use simple wording and be presented in an easy-to-read format. The information includes ingredients, doses and warnings.

The FDA's labeling requirements do not apply to dietary supplements, which are regulated as food products, and are labeled with a Supplement Facts panel.

Here’s an overview from the CHPA on the most important usage and warning information you’ll find on the new label, in the order it appears.

Label lingo

• Active Ingredient. This is the first item on the Drug Facts label. The active ingredient is the therapeutic substance that makes the product work, as well as the purpose of the product. Is the product an antihistamine? An antacid? A cough suppressant? Here’s where you’ll find out.

• Uses. Under this heading, you’ll find the symptoms the product relieves or prevents. When choosing a medication, target this list. To keep potential side effects to a minimum, take products only for symptoms you have.

• Warnings. This section is extremely important because it tells you when not to use an OTC product, such as if you’re also taking insulin or tranquilizers. It also tells you when you should contact a doctor before using, such as if you have other health conditions or you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, and when to stop taking the product, such as if any new symptoms appear or if pain becomes worse. This section also lists any side effects you may experience when using the product, such as drowsiness or excitability.

• Inactive Ingredients. This section lists substances in the product that don’t enhance its effectiveness but can make it easier to take, such as flavorings. Inactive ingredients aren’t always inconsequential, however.

• Directions. This area designates how to take the medicine, how much to take, how often and how long. It’s typically age-specific, with different guidelines for children versus adults. For the greatest benefit with the least possible risk, follow label directions exactly. Don’t take more than the recommended dose or for longer than recommended without consulting your doctor.

• Other Information. Under this section, you’ll find specifics about how to store the product properly and required information about certain ingredients, such as the amount of calcium, potassium or sodium the product contains. These substances can affect certain diseases or other medications you might be taking. Knowing how much of these a product contains can help you avoid getting too much of these substances.

The label also tells you the product’s expiration date, the lot or batch code to help the manufacturer identify the product in case of recall, the name and address of the manufacturer, how much of the product is in each package and what to do if an overdose occurs.

OTC drug makers sometimes make changes to their products or labeling, the FDA says. Make sure to read the label each time you use the product. Look for special notices on the front label about any changes. If you read the label and still have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Your pharmacist

Pharmacists are experts on OTC and prescription drugs, and they’re often more accessible than doctors. So get their opinions when you’re stumped. When you’re selecting medication for yourself or your family, pharmacists can provide you with valuable insights about which medication is right.