ESL Podcast 403 – Understanding Drug Labels

Bernie: Oh, I'm in so much pain! Where is the medication we got from the pharmacy¹?

Gloria: It's right here, but we need to read the label first. Okay, these are the active ingredients and they seem okay. This warning says that we need to watch out for any allergic² reactions. It also says to ask your doctor before using it if you have heart problems.

Bernie: I don't. Can you just give me the medication?

Gloria: I'm checking to make sure the seal under the cap isn't broken, just to be on the safe side. I also need to read the dosage information so you'll know how much to take. It says, "Adults (12 years or older): Two tablets every four hours; do not exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours."

Bernie: That's fine. That's fine. Where is the prescription³ medication from my doctor?

Gloria: Here it is. This one has several warnings. It says that it may cause drowsiness⁴ or dizziness. It also says, "This drug may impair⁵ your ability to drive."

Bernie: I don't plan to drive today or any day soon. Now will you please give me my medication?

Gloria: I will as soon as I get this childproof cap off.

Bernie: I may be dead by then!


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 pharmacy   

n.药房，药剂学，制药业，配药业，一批备用药品

参考例句：

• She works at the pharmacy.她在药房工作。
• Modern pharmacy has solved the problem of sleeplessness.现代制药学已经解决了失眠问题。

2 allergic   

adj.过敏的，变态的

参考例句：

• Alice is allergic to the fur of cats.艾丽斯对猫的皮毛过敏。
• Many people are allergic to airborne pollutants such as pollen.许多人对空气传播的污染物过敏，比如花粉。

3 prescription   

n.处方，开药；指示，规定

参考例句：

• The physician made a prescription against sea- sickness for him.医生给他开了个治晕船的药方。
• The drug is available on prescription only.这种药只能凭处方购买。

4 drowsiness   

n.睡意；嗜睡

参考例句：

• A feeling of drowsiness crept over him. 一种昏昏欲睡的感觉逐渐袭扰着他。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• This decision reached, he finally felt a placid drowsiness steal over him. 想到这，来了一点平安的睡意。 来自汉英文学 - 骆驼祥子

5 impair   

v.损害，损伤；削弱，减少

参考例句：

• Loud noise can impair your hearing.巨大的噪音有损听觉。
• It can not impair the intellectual vigor of the young.这不能磨灭青年人思想活力。