Pharmacie Kennedy Mulhouse

Medicines and driving: understand the three warning symbols

Yellow, orange or red: identify the warning level and prepare the right question before you drive.

Editorial illustration of a conversation about health.
Editorial illustration — Kennedy Pharmacy Mulhouse

General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.

A prescribed medicine or one bought without a prescription can reduce alertness. Before driving, look for a triangular warning symbol on the packaging.

Level 1, yellow: read the leaflet before taking the road. Pay attention to your own response, particularly if the medicine makes you drowsy.

Level 2, orange: get advice from a doctor or pharmacist before driving. Whether driving is compatible with the medicine needs checking for your circumstances.

Level 3, red: do not drive. Effects may continue after the last dose; ask a doctor when you can safely start driving again.

Fatigue, alcohol and combining treatments can increase risks. Show the professional all your medicines, including any you have bought without a prescription.

Mention your journeys or use of machinery too. Clarify the instructions and arrange another form of transport; do not change your treatment yourself.

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