What does the red line on medicine packets mean (and other facts to know)

Some of us are heavily reliant on medicines. From headaches to chronic diseases, we all are dependent on medicines for relief. Normally a person would simply hand over a doctor’s prescription to the drug stores and get the medicines or else one would simply go to a medicine store and get a generic medicine.

But have you ever noticed the different marks, labels, and information available on the medicine packaging? This vital information is for public knowledge.

Let’s understand what they are:

Red line or box
Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shared it on X (formerly Twitter) about the meaning of a red line on strips of medicine. “You can prevent antibiotic resistance! A RED LINE on the strip of medicines implies that the medicine should not be consumed without a doctor’s prescription,” the Ministry tweeted on X. In some packaging, a red box gives the same information. Also, it is advisable to complete the full course of the medicine when a doctor prescribes it.

Dosage
This feature is easy to spot in a medicine strip or a bottle. It comprises the dosage that an adult can consume. If it is for kids, for example cough syrup, the medicine will have two different dosages for adults and kids. Always check the dosage before buying the medicine even when you are a regular consumer of the medicine. Sometimes human error can lead to fatal consequences.

Allergy
Sometimes medicines have a warning label mentioning the allergy-causing ingredient. Read it and inform your doctor so that the medicine can be changed and something else can be recommended instead of it. Patients and caregivers should pay close attention to warnings regarding potential side effects, drug interactions, allergic reactions, and special precautions for specific populations (e.g., pregnant women, elderly patients).

Storage condition
Now, this might look insignificant and not many of us adhere to the recommended storage conditions; which is in fact a wrong practice. Storage conditions specify the environmental factors (e.g., temperature, humidity, light) required to maintain medication stability and potency. Improper storage can lead to degradation of active ingredients, reducing medication efficacy and increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Expiry date
Do not buy medicine without checking this! The expiration date indicates when the medication is expected to remain stable and effective when stored under appropriate conditions. Patients should not use expired medications, as they may have diminished potency or undergo chemical degradation, potentially leading to adverse effects or treatment failure. The batch number is a unique identifier assigned to a specific production batch of medication. It helps trace the medication’s manufacturing history and facilitates quality control and product recall processes. Some medications may also include an expiry code, which provides additional information on the expiration date or batch identification.

The leaflet
Have you noticed the properly folded paper leaflet that comes in almost every medicine? We often throw it along with the packaging. The patient information leaflet or package insert provides comprehensive information about the medication, including its uses, side effects, precautions, and instructions for use. Patients should read the PIL carefully before using the medication and consult a healthcare professional if they have any questions or concerns.