Use explicit text to describe the dose and the administration interval in instructions.
Use a universal medication schedule to convey and simplify instructions for dosing or use, i.e. provide instruction to take medicine at standard dosing times ‘morning, noon, evening, bedtime’.
Include distinguishable front and reverse sides to the label.
When possible, include indication for use.
Simplify language, avoiding unfamiliar words or medical jargon.
Improve typography, use larger sans serif font.
When applicable, use numeric rather than alphabet characters.
Use typographic cues (bolding and highlighting) for patient content only.
Use horizontal text only.
Use a standard icon system for signalling and organising auxiliary warnings and instructions.
Adapted from Reference 10.
Australia has a national ‘standard icon system’ for cautionary advisory labels. See the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook for a full list.11