How to read a medicine label in Pakistan
Last reviewed 12 October 2026
Short answer: Before you buy or use a medicine, check six things on the pack: the name and strength, the manufacturer, the batch number, the manufacturing and expiry dates, the registration number and the printed retail price. If any of these is missing, unclear or looks changed, ask your pharmacist before you buy.
What each part of the pack tells you
| On the pack | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Brand name and generic name | The brand is the company's trade name. The generic name is the active ingredient. | Compare brands by the generic name, not the brand. |
| Strength | How much active ingredient is in each tablet, capsule or measure, for example 500mg. | Make sure it matches what your doctor or pharmacist told you. |
| Dosage form and pack size | Tablet, capsule, syrup, injection and so on, and how many units are in the pack. | Use these to compare price per unit. |
| Manufacturer | The company that made the medicine, usually with its address. | Look for a clear company name and address. |
| Batch number | A code that identifies the production batch. | It should be printed clearly. It helps trace a product if there is a problem. |
| Manufacturing and expiry dates | When the batch was made and the date after which it should not be used. | Do not buy or use a medicine that has expired. |
| Registration number | The number under which the product is registered with DRAP. | You can look it up on the DRAP PharmaPrice Index. |
| Retail price (MRP) | The maximum price the product may be sold for. | It should be printed, not handwritten or stuck over. |
| Storage instructions | For example, keep in a cool, dry place or in a refrigerator. | Make sure the shop and you follow them. See how to store medicines at home. |
Why the printed price matters
Pakistan's drug rules require the retail price to be printed on the label. That printed price is the maximum you should pay. If it is scratched out, covered by a sticker or looks handwritten, ask the seller to explain, and check the product on the DRAP PharmaPrice Index. To understand how that price is set, read how DRAP sets medicine prices. To compare packs fairly, see pack sizes explained.
A quick checklist before you pay
- Is the name and strength what you asked for?
- Is the pack sealed and undamaged, with clear printing?
- Is the expiry date still well ahead? A medicine that is close to its expiry date may not last until you finish the course.
- Are the batch number, manufacturer and registration number printed?
- Is the printed price unchanged, and is the seller charging no more than that?
- Has it been stored properly? A shop that keeps medicines in heat or direct sunlight is a warning sign.
Warning signs to take seriously
- Spelling mistakes, blurry printing or colours that look different from other packs of the same brand.
- Missing or changed batch number or expiry date.
- Tablets that are broken, discoloured, damp or smell unusual.
- A price far below what other shops charge for the same product and pack size.
- A seller who cannot say where the medicine came from.
If you suspect a medicine is fake, expired or unsafe, do not use it. Show the pack to a pharmacist, and you can report the problem to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan through dra.gov.pk or to your provincial health department. Read more in our guide on spotting fake or unregistered medicines.
What this guide cannot tell you
A label tells you what the product is. It cannot tell you whether it is right for you, how much to take or whether it is safe with your other medicines. For that, follow the instructions from your doctor or pharmacist and read the leaflet inside the pack.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a brand name and a generic name?
The generic name is the active ingredient, such as paracetamol. The brand name is what a company calls its product. Different brands of the same generic can have different prices, so compare the generic name, strength and pack size.
Can I use a medicine after its expiry date?
No. After the expiry date, the manufacturer can no longer guarantee that the medicine works properly or is safe. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist.
How do I check a registration number?
Search the product on the DRAP PharmaPrice Index. It lists registered products with their registration numbers, manufacturers, pack sizes and prices.
Sources
- Ministry of Health, S.R.O. 100(I)/2002, which requires retail prices to be printed on the label in the manner prescribed by the Drugs (Labeling and Packing) Rules, 1986.
- DRAP, PharmaPrice Index.
- DRAP, dra.gov.pk.