When you pick up a medication with a label like Allegra-D or Claritin-D, you might wonder what that “D” means. Is it important? And could it affect how you take the medicine?
Medication labels can be confusing. But learning what the extra letters mean can help you take your medicine safely and know what to expect. Emily Richards, a clinical pharmacy specialist with Banner Pharmacy Services, helped us understand what the “D” on your prescription really means and learn about other common label abbreviations.
What does the “D” stand for on medication?
In most medications, “D” stands for decongestant. These products include a standard allergy or cold medication along with a decongestant like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. Decongestants help reduce nasal swelling and congestion and sinus pressure.
You’ll often see this in medications such as:
- Allegra-D
- Claritin-D
- Zyrtec-D
- Mucinex-D
These products can be helpful if you have a stuffy nose, sinus headache or pressure, especially during allergy season or with colds.
Why the ‘D’ matters: Important safety tips
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can cause side effects, especially if you don’t take them correctly or you have certain health conditions. If you have high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes or are pregnant, check with your health care provider or pharmacist before you take any medication labeled with a “D.”
Side effects may include:
- Jitteriness or nervousness
- Trouble sleeping, especially if you take them later in the day
- Increased blood pressure or heart rate
- Headaches
Because of regulations for pseudoephedrine, you may need to go to the pharmacy counter and show ID to buy some “D” medications.
Richards pointed out some other safety tips you should be aware of:
- Some labels say, “Do not drive or operate heavy machinery when taking this medication.” It’s important to follow this direction. “If you got pulled over when driving and had to take a sobriety test, you are at risk of getting a DUI (driving under the influence), even if the medication is prescribed,” she said.
- All controlled medications say, "Caution: Federal law prohibits the transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed." This means you could be in trouble with the law if you give that medication to someone.
Other common letters on medication labels
The “D” isn’t the only letter that shows up on drug names. Here are a few others and what they usually mean:
- PM: If a pharmacist adds a “PM” label to a prescribed medication, that means to take it in the evening. Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are labeled PM are designed to help you sleep.
- XR/ER: Extended release. “This often means you only have to take the medication once a day. The terms are used interchangeably,” Richards said.
- LA: Long acting. These typically last longer than extended-release medications. “Depending on the medication, LA medications can last one to six months. They are often injectables or implants,” Richards said.
- HCL: Hydrochloride. “This is added to the active ingredient of your medications,” Richards said. It makes it easier to manufacture the drug, helps it work better in your body and gives the medication a longer expiration date.
- Z: Z-Pak. Short for azithromycin, a common antibiotic five-day dose pack.
- DAW: Dispense as written. This directs a pharmacist to only dispense the brand name of a medication, not the generic version.
These letters give you clues about how a medication works or when you should take it.
How to make sense of your medication
“Always ask your pharmacist if you are unsure of what a letter or abbreviation means. They are happy to answer any questions you have,” Richards said.
For safe medication use, make sure you:
- Follow dosage instructions exactly.
- Don’t combine medications that have similar active ingredients. Check the labels or ask your pharmacist if you’re not sure.
- Check with your health care provider if you’re taking other medications or managing a chronic condition.
Understanding your medication label helps you avoid side effects and get the most benefit from treatment.
When to talk to your doctor or pharmacist
“Talk to your doctor or pharmacist anytime you have a question about a letter on your prescription,” Richards said. “Every time you get a new medication prescribed, it is also good to ask your pharmacist about any questions you have, review how to take the medication and understand any potential side effects.”
Your health care team is there to help make sure your medication is right for you. You should always ask questions if:
- You’re not sure what a medication is for
- You have health conditions that may react with certain ingredients
- You’re thinking about taking an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, supplement or vitamin with your prescription
- You’re concerned about sleep, blood pressure or side effects
Also, talk with your health care provider if you notice your prescription cost is higher than normal. “Sometimes that means your provider accidentally selected ‘DAW’ and the pharmacist had to dispense the brand name version of the drug instead of the generic,” Richards said.
Why choose Banner Health?
At Banner Health, we want you to feel confident and informed about the medications you take. Our pharmacists and providers offer:
- Personalized counseling to help you take medication safely
- Guidance on how to manage allergies, colds or chronic conditions
- Help understanding prescription labels and drug interactions so you can trust what you’re taking
Have questions about your medication?
Talk to a Banner Health provider or pharmacist to get the answers and support you need.
