Drug Caution Code - A Non-Prescription Drug Information Program

How To Use the Drug Caution Code

It's simple. The Drug Caution Code is made up of eight code letters. Each refers to a specific caution.

General Codes: Cautions to all users.

D: Drowsiness
H: Habit Forming
I: Interaction
X: S.O.S.

The code letters D, H, I and X are cautions to all consumers. The recommended precautions are universal. For example, the letter D is used to let you know which cough syrups can cause drowsiness.

Personal Codes: Consult your Pharmacist.

A: ASA
C: Caution
G: Glaucoma
S: Diabetes

The code letters A, C, G and S are cautions to those who suffer from a particular ailment, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sensitive stomach etc. For example, the letter C lets those with high blood pressure know which medications to avoid.

The Product List

For your convenience, we have compiled this online version of the Product List for the Drug Caution Code. Products are listed alphabetically by brand name. However, to aid in your search, the active ingredient(s) are also listed. The Product List will not only show you what codes apply to each product, it will also allow to retrieve more detailed information about each letter code.

Further Reading

Berube, Brian,editor, Understanding Canadian Non-Prescription Drugs, Toronto, Canadian Pharmaceutical Association, 1993.

Carruthers-Czyzewski, Patricia, editor, Non-Prescription Drug Reference for Health Professionals, First Edition, Canadian Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.

Clarke, C., editor, Self Medication, A Reference for Health Professionals, Third edition, Canadian Pharmaceutical Association, 1988

Compendium of Non-Prescription Products, Fourth Edition, Canadian Pharmaceutical Association, 1997.

Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties, 32nd edition, Canadian Pharmaceutical Association, 1998,

Drug Information for the Health Care Professional, USA, The United States Pharmacopeial Convention,1998.

McEvoy, Gerald K., editor, AHFS Drug Information, USA, American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, 1991

Tatro, David S., editor, Drug Interaction Facts, USA, 1998.

USP DI, 18th edition, USA, United States Pharmacopeial Convention, 1998.