Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines don’t require a prescription from a doctor, but like all medicines, they need to be treated with care. For safe and appropriate use, it is important to read and understand the Drug Facts label that appears on each of these medicines.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates each label to ensure it contains information needed for safe and effective use. This label also will help you determine which drug is right for your symptoms and how you can get the most benefit and relief from a medication.

OTCsafety.org has a new interactive feature to help you understand and follow the Drug Facts label—the interactive Drug Facts label. Scroll over the different sections of the label below to learn important information in the various sections.

Drug Facts labels always list information in the same order. You should always read every section carefully before taking, or giving a medicine because each section contains valuable information.

Active Ingredients
This section lists the ingredient or ingredients that make the product work. It is especially important to pay attention to this section if you are taking more than one medicine—whether OTC or prescription—to make sure you are not taking too much of the same active ingredient. Too much of an active ingredient can be harmful.

Purpose
This section tells you what type—or category—of medicine it is, such as an antacid or antihistamine.

Uses
The uses section explains the symptoms or illnesses for which the product should be used. Only use products that treat the symptoms you have. If you need help choosing a product, ask your pharmacist or other healthcare professional.

Warnings
There are times you should not take a medicine. The warnings section explains these times, and also tells you when a doctor or other healthcare professional needs to be consulted, possible side effects, and when to stop taking a product. If in doubt, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

Directions
This section tells you exactly how and when to take a medicine. Remember that these directions are not suggestions or recommendations; they should be followed exactly, except under a doctor’s specific advice, because taking more of a medicine or for longer than labeled can be dangerous.

Other Information
This section contains information about how to store the product and additional information that is required by the FDA about certain ingredients, such as the amount of calcium, potassium, or sodium a product contains.

Inactive Ingredients
The inactive ingredients section also includes important information, especially if you or a loved one has a known allergy.

For more tips on safe use of OTC medicines, click here.