Transcript Prescription.28.Sept.2010

HOW TO WRITE A PRESCRIPTION
• The prescription order is an important therapeutic
transaction between physician and the patient. It
brings into focus the diagnostic acumen and
therapeutic proficiency of the physician with the
instructions for palliation or restoration of patient´s
health. The physician must also clearly
communicates with the pharmacist and adequately
instructs the patient on how to take the prescribed
drug.
There is no global standard for prescriptions
and every country has its own regulations.
The most important requirement is that the
prescription be clear.
A) identification of the patient
• name, initials and address
• age of patients under 12 years must be given
• age in adult (mainly elderly) patients may be
useful but it is not essential
B) the name of drug
• preferably in capitals
• approved (generic) name
• proprietary (brand-name or trade name)
• Example:
• chemical name: 6-[[ amino(4hydroxyphenyl)actyl]-amino]-3,3-dimethyl-7oxo-4-thia-1azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2carboxylic acid
• generic name: amoxyciline
• proprietary name: Almodan,Amoxil
C) the dose of drug
• quantities of 1 gram or more should be writte in grams
(2 g)
• quantities less than 1 gram but more than 1 milligram
should be written in milligrams (100 mg, not 0.1 g)
• quantities less than 1 milligram should be written in
micrograms or nanograms do not abbreviate milligrams
and nanograms - errors (100 micrograms, not 0.1 mg,
nor 100 mcg nor, 100 ug nor, 100g)
• if a decimal point cannot be avoided, write 0.5 not .5
• use mL for milliliters
D) frequency of administration
• have to be clearly indicated
• accepted abbreviations
E) route and method of
administration
• route of administration should be clearly
indicated (oral, sublingual, i.m.)
F) amount to be supplied
• for example, the precise number of tablets
• simpler is to indicate period of treatment
G) the presciber´s signature
Minimum information that should
be given to the patient.
1. Effects of the drug
Why the drug is needed
Which symptoms will disappear, and which will not
When the effect is expected to start
What will happen if the drug is taken incorrectly or not at all
2. Side effects
Which side effects may occur
How to recognize them
How long they will continue
How serious they are
What action to take
3. Instructions
How the drug should be taken
When it should be taken
How long the treatment should continue
How the drug should be stored
What to do with left-over drugs
4. Warnings
When the drug should not be taken
What is the maximum dose
Why the full treatment course should be taken
5. Future consultations
When to come back (or not)
In what circumstances to come earlier
What information the doctor will need at the
next appointment
6. Everything clear?
Ask the patient whether everything is
understood
Ask the patient to repeat the most important
information
Ask whether the patient has any more
questions
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Acidi Acetylosalicylici
Paracetamoli
Amobarbitali
Misce fiat pulvis (M. f. pulv.)
Dentur tales doses No XX (viginty)
Da ad capsulam amylaceam
D.S. etc
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Aspirin
300 mg
Paracetamol
300 mg
Amobarbital
50 mg
Make 20 such doses and place in capsules
Label: etc
0,3
0,3
0,05