Cold and flu sufferers who rely on over-the-counter drugs will soon be able to read the fine print on cough syrups and decongestants, even with heavy-lidded eyes.
The Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday it is unveiling a new label for over-the-counter drugs that features bigger print and clearer language. FDA hopes that a clearer label will prevent drug misuse and overdosing. In recognition of the FDA's effort, Vice President Al Gore awarded the agency one of his "plain language" awards.
"Starting here and now, when children wake up sick in the middle of the night, parents won't have to read a dictionary to read the directions. And people won't need a magnifying glass to find out what's in their medicine," Gore said.
The FDA received Gore's eighth award since he launched the plain language initiative in July. Gore had said he would hand out an award each month, but he did not issue an award in February. Under the initiative, federal agencies must write all letters, forms, notices and instructions in plain English.
Federal employees from a dozen agencies have banded together to form the Plain Language Action Network. The group's Web site lists online resources for improving writing and explains how to apply for an award.