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Pharmacy & Pharmacology vocabulary · Dispensing and Counselling

Dispensing label

Meaning in pharmacy & pharmacology, with examples

nounCommon term

In pharmacy & pharmacology, dispensing label means: The label a pharmacy sticks on a dispensed medicine, showing the patient's name, the drug and strength, the directions for use, the date and the pharmacy's details.

In Turkish: ilaç etiketi, kullanım talimatı etiketi

How it is used

Standard in the UK and US, where labels may also carry warnings such as 'May cause drowsiness'. Directions must be clear and specific; 'as directed' on its own is discouraged. Labels are printed from the dispensing software and checked against the prescription before the medicine is handed over.

Example sentences

  1. The dispensing label says to take one tablet twice a day with food.

  2. Check that the dispensing label matches the prescription before you bag the medicine.

Common collocations

  • print a dispensing label
  • label directions
  • warning label
  • cautionary label
  • dispenseTo prepare and supply a medicine to a patient against a prescription, usually after checking it, labelling it and explaining how to use it.
  • twice dailyTwo times a day, usually about twelve hours apart, such as morning and evening; one of the most common directions on prescriptions and labels.
  • expiry dateThe date printed on a medicine pack after which the manufacturer no longer guarantees that the product is fully effective and safe to use.
  • medication errorA preventable mistake in prescribing, dispensing, preparing, giving or monitoring a medicine, whether or not it actually harms the patient.

More terms: Dispensing and Counselling

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.