The health worker should be able to give the patient additional information to re-enforce the right instructions on the label. This should be in a language that is familiar to the patient. The information in the form of verbal instructions should including the following:

• How often to take the drug,

• When to take the drug (e.g. before or after the meals),

• How long the treatment is to last (e.g. why the entire course of an antibiotic treatment must be taken),

• How to take the drug (e.g. with water, chewing or swallowing),

• How to store the drug (e.g. avoid heat, light and dampness),

• Do not share drugs with other persons,

• Keep drugs out of the reach of children.

Diagram 7 Communicating with a Patient at the Dispensary

Source: Managing Drug Supply. MSH/WHO, Kumanian 1997.