How to read a medicine label, section by section

Over the counter medicines in the United States carry a standard Drug Facts label. Many other countries use a similar layout. Once you know the order, it takes seconds to find what you need.

The sections

1. Active ingredient. What makes the medicine work, and how much of it each dose contains.
2. Uses. The symptoms or conditions it treats. Pick a product that treats the symptoms you actually have.
3. Warnings. When not to use it, when to ask a doctor or pharmacist first, side effects, and advice for pregnancy or breastfeeding.
4. Directions. How much to take, how often and for how long. For children, it gives age or weight guidance.
5. Other information. Storage conditions, such as a temperature range.
6. Inactive ingredients. Fillers and dyes. Useful if you have an allergy.
7. Questions or comments. A phone number for the maker.

The check that matters most

Look at the active ingredient of every product you take, prescriptions included. Two different brands can contain the same ingredient, and taking both means taking a double dose without realising it.

Good habits

• Keep the original box, so you can read the label again.
• Never take more, or for longer, than the label says unless your doctor tells you to.
• For children, use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
• When in doubt, ask a pharmacist.

When you scan a box with PillRem, the active ingredient is saved with the medication, so you can see it at a glance.