Assessment of Labelling Compliance and Packaging Quality of Dispensed Medicines at Community Pharmacies in Benin City, Edo State

Proper labelling and packaging of dispensed medicines are fundamental requirements of pharmaceutical practice that directly impact patient safety and medication adherence. In Benin City, Edo State, a rapidly growing urban centre in the South South geopolitical zone, community pharmacies serve a substantial patient population. This study assessed compliance of dispensed medicines with labelling requirements as specified by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria and NAFDAC guidelines. A structured observational checklist was used to evaluate 120 dispensed medicine packages from thirty randomly selected community pharmacies across three local government areas in Benin City. Labelling parameters assessed included patient name, drug name, strength, dose instructions, prescriber details, expiry date, and cautionary labels. Packaging quality was evaluated for seal integrity, appropriate container type, and child-resistant features. Overall labelling compliance was 61%, with patient name and dose instructions being the most frequently omitted elements. Expiry dates were missing in 18% of dispensed items. Packaging quality was acceptable in 78% of samples, though child-resistant closures were present in only 34% of cases. These results indicate significant gaps in labelling compliance and packaging standards in Benin City community pharmacies, with implications for medication errors and patient safety. Structured pharmacy practice audits and continuous professional development are recommended. Keywords: medicine labelling, packaging quality, community pharmacy, Benin City, medication safety.