These are the
code numbers and their meanings for the cautionary
labels used by
pharmacists when dispensing
medicines in the UK. Extra
counselling may be given with relation to
age,
experience,
background and
understanding of the
patient.
- Warning. May cause drowsiness
To be used on preparations for children containing antihistamines or where label 2 would be inappropriate.
- Warning. May cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink
To be used on preparations for adults.
- Warning. May cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery
To be used on preparations contatining monoamine-oxidase inhibitors or for label 2 where alcohol is not an issue
- Warning. Avoid alcoholic drink
When an alcholic reaction may occur such as flushing (eg metronidazole and chlorpropamide
- Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medicine
To be used with label 25 on preparations coated to resist gastric acid (eg enteric coated tablets)
- Do not take iron preparations or indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medicine
To be used on preparations containing ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, minocycline and penicillamine
- Do not take milk, iron preparations or indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medicine
To be used on preparations containing tetracylines and chelate iron, calcium and magnesium
- Do not stop taking this medicine except on your doctor's advice
To be used on preparations that contain a drug which is required to be taken over long periods without the
patient necessarily perceiving any benefit (eg antituberculous drugs)
- Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed
To be used on preparations where a course of treatment should be completed to reduce the incidence
of relapse or failure of treatment
- Warning. Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medicine
To be used particularly on preparations containing anticoagulants, lithium and oral corticosteroids.
- Avoid exposure of skin to direct sunlight or sun lamps
To be used on preparations that may cause phototoxic or photoallergic reactions if the patient is exposed to ultraviolet radiation
- Do not take anything containing aspirin while taking this medicine
To be used on preparations containing probenecid and sulphinpyrazone whose activity is reduced by aspirin
- Disolve or mix with water before taking
- This medicine may colour the urine
To be used on preparations that may cause the patients urine to turn an unusual colour
- Caution flammable: keep away from fire or flames
- Allow to dissolve under the tongue. Do not transfer from this container. Keep tightly close. Discard eight weeks after opening
To be used on glyceryl trinitrate tablets
- Do not take more than ... in 24 hours
To be used on preparations for treatment of acute migrane
- Do not take more than ... in 24 hours or ... in any one week
To be used on preparations containing ergotamine
- Warning. Causes drowsiness which may continue the next day. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink
To be used on preparations containing hypnotics (or some other sedative) prescribed to be taken at night
- ...with or after food
To be used on preparations that are liable to cause gastric irritation
- ...half to one hour before food
To be used on some preparations whose absorption is thereby improved
- ...an hour before food or on an empty stomach
To be used on oral antibiotics whose absorption may be reduced by the presence of food or acid in the stomach
- ...sucked or chewed
- ...swallowed whole, not chewed
To be used on some preparations that are enteric coated or designed for modified release
- ...dissolved under the tongue
To be used on some preparations that are designed for sublingual use
- ...with plenty of water
- To be spread thinly...
For external preparations which should be applied sparingly.
- Do not take more than 2 at any one time. Do not take more than 8 in 24 hours
- Do not take with any other paracetamol products
- Contains aspirin and paracetamol. Do not take with any other paracetamol products
- Contains aspirin
- Contains an aspirin-like medicine
British National Formulary (BNF) 37 - March 1999