Childrens' medicine labels standardized

The Beijing Food and Drug Administration will standardize instruction labels of hospital medications for children. To lower drug-induced risks for children, labels must list all adverse reactions, contraindications and cautions, the Beijing Daily reported.

Pediatric medicines such as calcium tablets and zinc gluconate oral solution have been found to lack detailed instructions, causing concern for parents.

Since March 2013, the labels for up to 40 of the 150 children's medicines used in over 40 hospitals and medical institutions have been standardized. The labels must also include maximum dosage, how often to take the medicine and when to stop.