Labelling of medicaments

Labelling :
 Labelling of the medicaments plays a vital role in the entire operation unit as proper labelling on the container provides sufficient information to the pharmacist, which in turn helps in dispensing. Proper labelling assures the accuracy in dispensing of medicaments as well as the accuracy of the pharmacy department work. Improper labelling leads to wasteage of the time both of medical as well as paramedical staff. It also leads to confusion and error.

 A pattern is followed which should have a detailed information on the labels of the medicaments.This pattern is as follows: 

A. Name: 

it consists of the name of the drug typed in such a manner that it is prominent and read easily.  

B. Strength :

The strength of the dose written  on the labels should be in metric systems and whole numbers (with out decimal and fractions). 

C. Dosage forms : 

The label should contain the detail information about the drug products which are to be administered other than oral route. 

D. Batch numbers:

Batch number means a combination of numbers or letters which specifically identifys a batch on the labels.Batch number is essential as it is an important parameter. 

E. Expiry date : 

This is  an important part in labelling. Expiry date of the drug should be mentioned on the label along with its shelf life period. 

F. Special directions :

Special directions like "shake the bottle well before use","for external use only"and" not be chewed "are written on the labels depending upon the nature of prescriptions.