What must be included in the directions on a prescription label?

Including specific instructions for medication use on a prescription label is crucial for ensuring patient safety and effective treatment. These instructions guide the patient on how to take the medication correctly, including dosage, frequency, and any special considerations (such as whether to take it with food or on an empty stomach). Providing clear directions helps to minimize the risk of medication errors and enhances adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen.

In contrast, while the patient's date of birth, prescription number, and prescriber's phone number may be useful for record-keeping or identification purposes, they do not directly contribute to the patient's understanding of how to use the medication. Thus, the most important information that directly impacts the patient’s medication administration is the instructions for medication use.