How to read an over-the-counter drug label

Click on any underlined link in the label to jump to its definition.

Drug Facts

Active ingredient (in each tablet) Purpose
Chlorpheniramin maleate 2 mg .........Antihistamine

Uses temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allerigies:

sneezing	runny nose	itchy, watery eyes
itchy throat

Ask a doctor before use if you have

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking tranquilizers or sedatives

When using this product

If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

adults and children 12 years and over

take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours; not more than 12 tablets in 24 hours

children 6 years to under 12 years

take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours; not more than 6 tablets in 24 hours

children under 6 years

ask a doctor

Other information store at 20-25° C (68-77° F)

Inactive ingredients D&C yellow no. 10, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch

Chlorpheniramin

Therapeutic substance in drug

Product type

Symptoms or diseases the drug treats

When to not to use this drug, when to stop taking it, when to see a doctor, and possible side effects

Read carefully: how much to take, how often to take it, and when to stop taking it

More information on how to store the drug

Things in the drug, such as colors or flavorings

Drug Interactions: What You Should Know - This fact sheet explains how drugs interact with other drugs. It gives a brief overview of common drug interactions and discusses the importance of talking with your doctor about any medications you are using.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/ucm163354.htm
Medicines and You: A Guide for Older Adults - This booklet provides a guide for older Americans on how to keep track of and safely use prescription and over-the-counter medications.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/ucm163959.htm
The New Over-the-Counter Medicine Label: Take a Look - This fact sheet is a guide for how to read the Drug Facts label for over-the-counter medicines. It explains what is on the label, what it means, and where you can find it.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm133411.htm
Safe Use of Medicines - This booklet discusses practical tips to make sure you are using all your medicines correctly. This booklet also provides examples of other older adults practicing medicine safety.
http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/SafeUseMeds/default.htm
Taking Medicines - This publication provides information on medicines and your body. It provides information on how to use medicines safely, how to test medicines, and the medicines in the future that may improve one's health.
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/takingmedicines/toc.html

Content last updated August 12, 2010.

Resources last updated August 12, 2012.