When labeling a small container, what is required?

The requirement for labeling a small container, such as a vial, includes including the patient's name and prescription number. This is crucial for several reasons. First, having the patient's name clearly displayed ensures that the medication is correctly identified for the person it is intended for, minimizing the risk of medication errors. The prescription number serves as an important identifier for the pharmacy, facilitating easy retrieval and reference for any queries or additional information required regarding the dispensed medication.

In the context of pharmacy regulations, proper labeling is essential not just for patient safety but also for compliance with legal and professional standards. While the full prescribing information may be included on larger containers or in accompanying paperwork, it is not practical to require it on small vials due to space limitations. Furthermore, a simple description of the medication or the frequency of administration alone does not provide sufficient information for safe use, making the combination of the patient's name and prescription number the critical components for labeling small containers.