How to Read Drug Labels

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

On completion of the materials provided in this chapter, you will be able to identify the following parts of each drug label:

1 Trade name of the medication

2 Generic name of the medication

3 Strength of the medication dosage

4 Form in which the medication is provided

5 Route of administration

6 Total amount or volume of the medication provided in the container

7 Directions for mixing or preparation of the medication if required

The safe administration of medications to patients begins with the nurse accurately reading and interpreting the drug label. Thus it is important for the nurse to be familiar and comfortable with the information that is found on the drug label.

PARTS OF A DRUG LABEL

1. TRADE NAME. The trade name (also known as brand or proprietary name) is usually capitalized and written in bold print. It is the first name written on the label. The trade name is always followed by the ® registration symbol. Different manufacturers market the same medication under different trade names.

2. GENERIC NAME. The generic name is the official name of the drug. Each drug has only one generic name. This name appears directly under the trade name, usually in smaller or different type letters. Physicians may order a patient’s medication by generic or trade name. Nurses need to be familiar with both names and cross-check references as needed. Occasionally, only the generic name will appear on the label.

3. DOSAGE STRENGTH. The strength indicates the amount or weight of the medication that is supplied in the specific unit of measure. This amount may be per capsule, tablet, milliliter, and so on.

4. FORM. The form indicates how the drug is supplied. Examples of various forms are tablets, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and ointments.

5. ROUTE. The label will indicate how the drug is to be administered. The route can be oral, topical, injection (subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular), or intravenous.

6. AMOUNT. The total amount or volume of the medication may be indicated. Some examples are 250 mL of oral suspension and a bottle that contains 50 capsules.

7. DIRECTIONS. Some medications must be mixed before use. The amounts and types of diluent required will be listed along with the resulting strengths of the medication. This information may also be found on package inserts.

Other information may be found on drug labels: the name of the manufacturer, expiration date, special instructions for storage, a National Drug Code (NDC) number, and contraindications.