What information is required to be displayed on the labels of otc medication?

Over-the-counter medications or OTC Medications are drugs that are safe to use without seeking a health professional's advise or prescription. Since it is freely being sold in pharmacies, certain guidelines are being followed about OTC Medication Labels. Before consuming such medication, it is very important that the user should read and understand the labels written on the drug. The labels that we see in these medications are called Drug Facts. Drug facts emphasizes the "Five rights of drug administration". The five rights include: the right person, to take the right drug, with the right dose, at the right time with the right route or administration. The five rights of administration decreases the chances of committing medication errors. Even though OTC medications are safe to use, these have side effects too.

In the labels of OTC Medication, it is important to look for the following and should be read and understood.
-The name of the drug with the brand name of generic name and the purpose of the drug.
-The active ingredient: the ingredient that mainly acts in the effectiveness of the medication
-Indication of the drug: what the drug is for. e.g. relieves itchiness, inflammation or pain.
-The form of the drug: e.g. liquid or syrup form, tablet, ointment or capsule.
-Dose of the Drug
-Volume of the Medication
-For children medications, it will also be indicated the age limit as well as the flavor of the medicine.

Specific Warnings, Contraindications and Side effects are also noted at the back part of the medication. These include certain limitations of the drug on people who are suffering from certain illnesses, also includes pregnant women, that may aggravate or cause more problems.