Red Line On Medicine Strips: What It Means

Medicines are an important part of healthcare, but they must be used carefully. While it’s fine to take medicines prescribed by a doctor, self-medication can be dangerous. To address this, India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare introduced the Red Line Campaign.

The red line on medicine packets is not just a design, it serves as a warning. Medicines with this line, such as antibiotics, hormonal pills, sleeping pills, and psychotropic tablets, should only be taken under a physician’s guidance. Always follow the prescribed dose, complete the full course, and never share these medicines with others.

Improper use of such medicines can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, a growing global threat. Using antibiotics for minor illnesses can make germs in the body resistant, rendering these medicines ineffective when they are truly needed. According to the World Health Organization, even common infections could become difficult to treat in the future if medicines are misused.