Understand medicine labels and schedules
Learn how to read labels, expiry dates, warning symbols and what the Schedules mean in South Africa.
Understand your medicine.Use it safely. Feel informed.
Clear, trustworthy information about medicine uses, side effects, interactions, safety and access rules in South Africa.
Browse by Need
Medicine CategoriesExplore medicines by what they are used for.
Active IngredientsFind medicines by the active ingredient.
Branded MedicinesInformation on popular brand-name medicines.
Safety GuidesSide effects, interactions and safety advice.
Comparison GuidesCompare options to understand differences.
Schedule / Access ExplainersUnderstand schedules and access rules.
First-Aid GuidesWhat to do for common injuries and emergencies.
Chronic Medicine GuidesLiving well with long-term conditions.Explore medicine categories
Choose a category to find trusted information about uses, safety and more.
Allergy MedicinesRelief for hay fever, hives and allergies.
AntibioticsFor bacterial infections – use wisely.
Pain ReliefHeadache, fever, muscle and joint pain.
Cold & FluCough, sore throat, blocked nose.
Digestive HealthHeartburn, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea.
Skin & Fungal MedicinesEczema, rashes, fungal infections and more.
Wound Care & InfectionCleansers, antiseptics and topical treatments.
Chronic MedicinesDiabetes, blood pressure, asthma and more.
Safety & InteractionsInteractions, pregnancy, alcohol and driving.
Prescription Rules & SchedulesSchedules, repeats, OTC vs prescription.Popular in South Africa
Cetirizine UsesWhat it treats and how it works.
Allergex Side EffectsCommon side effects and precautions.
Amoxicillin UsesBacterial infections it can treat.
Betadine for WoundsHow it works and how to use it.
Omeprazole UsesHeartburn, ulcers and reflux.
What Schedule Are Antibiotics in South AfricaWhat it means and what you can do.
Antihistamines and AlcoholIs it safe to mix the two?
Schedule 3 Medicine Meaning South AfricaPharmacist-supplied medicines explained.Learn about labels & schedules
Compare your options
Compare medicines side by side to understand uses, strengths, forms and key differences.
Safety first
Check interactions with other medicines, alcohol and conditions. Read safety advice for special groups.
When to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Know when self-care is enough and when it's time to get professional help.
Your trusted resource in South Africa
- Independent and evidence-based content
- Written in plain, easy-to-understand language
- Focused on your safety and wellbeing
- South African context, schedules and access rules
Common questions
Is Uses.co.za a pharmacy or online shop?
No. Uses.co.za is an information website. We do not sell, supply or dispense medicines, and we are not a pharmacy.
Can I rely on the information here?
Our content is general information written in plain language for South African readers. It is not personal medical advice, and it does not replace the medicine leaflet or a consultation with a pharmacist or doctor.
Can I replace my doctor with this website?
No. Always speak to a pharmacist or doctor about your own situation, especially about dosage, whether a medicine suits you, or if symptoms are severe or getting worse.