The Preferred Order of Over-the-Counter (Otc) Pharmaceutical Label Components

Abstract

Recently there has been increasing interest in enabling consumers to more easily acquire information from over-the-counter (OTC) nonprescription pharmaceutical labels. Standardization of label formatting is being considered by industry, government, and health-related professional organizations as a way to facilitate their usability. Standardization can assist consumers in quickly locating information relevant to the safe use of medications. The present research sought to determine whether consumers prefer a certain consistent ordering of OTC drug label component headings. If such consistency is found, the results could serve as a partial basis for a standardized format. Results showed relatively consistent orders across four drugs, three participant groups (adults attending a flea market, older adults, and undergraduates) and four scenarios in which the drugs may be used (scenarios concerning the purchase, consumption, administration to another person, and taking into consideration all possible situations the drug may be used in). A different ordering was found for emergency situations involving the drug. In general, people prefer labels that first provide what the drug is used for (indications), second provide information on associated hazards (warnings, cautions, drug interaction precautions) and use (directions), and third provide information on active ingredients. For emergency situations, however, people prefer having the associated hazards and directions listed first, followed by the indications and active ingredients. The remaining components were ordered (across all scenarios) as follows: safety seal, inactive ingredients, storage instructions, manufacturer information, and the bar code. It is suggested that implementation of label standardization should have sections located to match people's expectations or schemas.