Medicine schedule vs dosage – what the words mean

A medicine schedule describes legal control and supply. Strength describes how much active ingredient is in a unit. Dose describes the amount taken at one time, while frequency describes how often. Confusing these words can lead to a dangerous extra dose or an unsafe self-treatment decision.

• Schedule: how the medicine is legally controlled and supplied.
• Strength: the amount of active ingredient per tablet, capsule, measured liquid or other unit.
• Dose: the amount to take at one time.
• Frequency and duration: how often and for how long the instructions apply.

Two products with the same ingredient can have different strengths, and two products with different names can share an ingredient. Always read the active-ingredient line.

1. 1Circle the active ingredient and strength on the box or leaflet.
2. 2Use the measuring device supplied for a liquid medicine.
3. 3Write down the time of each dose when you are unwell or caring for someone else.
4. 4Ask a pharmacist before adding a cold, flu, pain or traditional product.