Red lines, expiry dates, dosage codes: How to read a medicine label right

From expiry dates to red lines and dosage codes, medicine labels hold vital clues that can prevent overdosing, mix-ups, and dangerous errors

A medicine strip may seem ordinary, but those tiny names, numbers, and red lines often decide how safe your next dose really is. Too often, we skip reading them and depend entirely on chemists, overlooking critical details like expiry dates, dosage, storage instructions, and warnings. Understanding these labels is not optional; it is essential. Here’s a simple guide every Indian household should know.

Why should you care about reading a medicine label?

“Medication labels are not mere administrative information, but critical safety instruments,” according to Dr Rohit Deshpande, MBBS, MD, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai. A label tells you the drug’s name, active ingredient, dosage strength, expiry date, storage requirements, and warnings. Ignoring this can lead to overdosing, underdosing, harmful drug interactions, or even failed therapy.

 

Dr Deshpande reminds us: if you can read a nutrition label before buying granola bars, why not give the same attention to something that directly affects your health?

What should you check first on a medicine label?

Jeevan Kasara, Director & CEO, Steris Healthcare, suggests always scanning for five things: generic name, dosage, expiry date, manufacturing date, and batch number.

• The generic name tells you the actual medicine (the active ingredient).
• The dosage ensures you’re not taking too much or too little.
• The expiry date and manufacturing date confirm the drug is safe and effective.
• The batch number is important for recalls—just like product recalls in FMCG, medicines too can be pulled off shelves if something is wrong.

The experts say these details are your first line of defence against fake, expired, or unsafe drugs.

Generic name vs brand name: What’s the difference?

This is where many people get confused. The generic name is the medicine’s active ingredient, while the brand name is just the marketed version. For instance, paracetamol is the generic name, but you might see it sold under different brands.

 

Kasara explains, “Both have the same effect, but they may vary in price or appearance. Knowing the generic name helps avoid duplication and ensures continuity of treatment.”

What do ‘Schedule H’ or ‘Schedule X’ on medicine packs mean?

Ever noticed a label saying Schedule H or Schedule X? These are not random codes.

• Schedule H: Prescription-only medicines, and should not be taken without a doctor’s advice.
• Schedule X: More tightly controlled drugs, like certain psychotropic medicines.

“These markings exist to remind consumers not to self-medicate,” Kasara stresses. So, if you see these, do not play doctor.

What do the red line and ‘Rx’ symbol really mean?

That red line across antibiotic strips is not for decoration. It’s a warning: “This is a prescription-only drug.” Similarly, the ‘Rx’ symbol carries the same message.

 

So next time you see that red line, pause before popping the pill. It is a reminder to consult your doctor. 

How do you decode dosage instructions like ‘1-0-1’ or ‘SOS’?

If you have ever been baffled by cryptic notations on your prescription, here is a quick cheat sheet from Dr Deshpande:

• 1-0-1: One pill in the morning, none at noon, one at night
• SOS: Take only when needed (like for pain or acidity), never for antibiotics
• OD: Once daily
• BD: Twice daily
• TDS: Thrice daily

And don’t ignore the little letters like a.c. (before meals) and p.c. (after meals), because they decide how well your medicine gets absorbed.

Why are storage instructions so important?

Phrases like “keep in a cool, dry place” or “refrigerate” aren’t optional fine print, and Dr Deshpande warns, “Improper storage changes drug stability. Insulin and some antibiotics lose potency if not refrigerated. Heat and moisture can break down tablets, making them less effective, or even toxic.”

What if the medicine label is torn or faded?

Simple rule: when in doubt, throw it out.

 

“If the medication label is torn, faded, or unreadable, you cannot confirm the name, dose, or expiry date,” says Kasara. “That raises the risk of consuming an incorrect or unsafe product. Take it back to the pharmacy or ask your doctor.”

How can you avoid confusion with multiple medicines?

If your work drawer or home cabinet looks like a mini-pharmacy, pay attention here.

 

Dr Deshpande advises:

• Store look-alike medicines in separate, clearly marked containers.
• Maintain a written drug chart of names, doses, and timings.
• Use pill organisers, especially for elderly family members.

Why is depending only on the chemist risky?

Many of us simply trust our local chemist’s word. While pharmacists are knowledgeable, they do not always know your full medical history.

 

“Skipping label reading denies patients the knowledge of their medication’s generic name,” says Dr Deshpande. “If they get a different brand next time, they will be confused. Worse, miscommunication can lead to harmful mistakes.”

 

In short, listen to your chemist, but double-check the label yourself.

 

Dr Deshpande stresses, “Improved label understanding means safer medication practices, fewer hospital admissions from drug errors, and better health outcomes overall.”

 

Medicine labels may look boring, but they are packed with information that can literally save lives. Spending just 30 seconds can save you from long-term health risks. 

Since you're already here

…and clearly interested in your health, take a moment to explore our varied range of stories on wellness, medical research, and public health insights.

• Men's grooming essentials  Adult acne, dull skin, hair loss: Skincare tips every man should know
• What a heart doctor won’t eat  10 foods a cardiologist avoids after 20 years treating heart disease
• Early cataracts and screen stress  Cataracts in 30s and 40s? How screen time and stress may be clouding vision
• Eat to prevent cardiac arrest  Heart-smart eating: Diet tips to lower risk of sudden cardiac arrest
• Everyday foods linked to cancer  Doctor warns against these 6 everyday foods that may raise cancer risk
• Fitness trends under the microscope  Are these popular Instagram fitness trends actually helpful or just hype?
• Back pain? Walk it off  Want to avoid chronic back pain? Walk over 100 minutes a day, says study
• Hidden heart hazards at work  Why your office coffee cup and lunch box may raise heart disease risks
• How to be heard at work  Speak up at work: What to do when you're feeling ignored and invisible
• Beyond sobriety: Addiction recovery  Why recovery from addiction needs more than just quitting substances

For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS 

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.