How to Read a Medicine Label and Patient Leaflet: A Simple Guide

Many medicine mistakes happen at home, not in hospital. Knowing how to read a label and the leaflet inside the box helps you take medicines safely and spot problems early.

Imagine taking a cold and flu remedy and paracetamol tablets on the same day, not realising both contain paracetamol. By evening you have taken far more than the safe daily limit. A quick look at the labels would have prevented it.

The key parts of a medicine label

• Active ingredient: the substance that makes the medicine work, such as paracetamol or amoxicillin
• Strength: how much active ingredient is in each tablet, capsule or dose, such as 500 mg or 5 mg/5 mL
• Dose and directions: how much to take and how often
• Your name and date: on prescription medicines, check they are yours
• Warnings: such as “may cause drowsiness” or “do not drink alcohol”
• Expiry date and batch number

Understanding dose instructions

• “Twice a day” usually means roughly every 12 hours, such as morning and evening
• “Three times a day” usually means spread through the waking day, such as morning, midday and bedtime
• “Every 4 to 6 hours” means leave at least 4 hours between doses and do not exceed the maximum in 24 hours
• “Take with or after food” helps reduce stomach upset or improves absorption
• “Take on an empty stomach” usually means 30 to 60 minutes before food or 2 hours after

Liquid medicines

Always use the measuring syringe or spoon supplied, not a kitchen spoon, which can vary widely in size. Check the strength on the label, as liquids for children come in different strengths, and check you are measuring in millilitres (mL).

The patient information leaflet

Every medicine pack should contain a leaflet. It explains what the medicine is for, who should not take it, how to take it, possible side effects, and what to do if you take too much or miss a dose.,The side effects list can look alarming, because it includes every effect reported, however rare. The leaflet usually groups them by how common they are: very common (more than 1 in 10 people), common (up to 1 in 10), uncommon (up to 1 in 100), rare and very rare. Most people have no side effects or only mild ones.

Hidden doubles: the same ingredient in different products

Paracetamol, ibuprofen and antihistamines appear in many cold, flu and pain products under different brand names. Taking two products with the same ingredient can lead to an accidental overdose. Always check the active ingredients on every product, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Storage and expiry

• Store medicines as directed: usually somewhere cool and dry, not in the bathroom
• Some medicines, such as insulin and some liquids, need a fridge
• Keep medicines in their original packaging with the label
• Note any “use within” dates after opening, for eye drops and liquids
• Do not use medicines after their expiry date; return them to a pharmacy

Tips for people taking several medicines

• Keep an up-to-date list of all medicines, including supplements and herbal remedies
• Use a pill organiser or blister pack if you find it hard to keep track
• Set phone reminders
• Ask for a medicines review at least once a year
• Use the same pharmacy where possible, so they can check for interactions

Keeping children safe

• Store medicines out of reach and sight of children, ideally in a locked cupboard
• Do not call medicines “sweets”
• Always use child-resistant caps
• Check children’s doses by age or weight on the label
• Seek urgent advice if a child swallows a medicine not meant for them

Frequently asked questions

Can I cut tablets in half?

Only if the label or pharmacist says so. Some tablets are designed to release slowly and should not be cut.

What does “PRN” mean?

It means “as needed”, for example for pain.

What should I do with old medicines?

Return them to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

But the leaflet lists so many side effects that I am scared to start

Most side effects are rare. Talk to your pharmacist about the most likely ones and what to look out for.

Related: Generic vs brand-name medicines · Ibuprofen vs paracetamol

Sources: UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, US Food and Drug Administration, World Health Organization Medication Without Harm, NHS.