Pharm 161: Orientation to Dispensing

• Pharm 161 covers orientation to dispensing prescriptions, taught by Dr. (Mrs) M. El Boakye-Gyasi from the Department of Pharmaceutics, FPPS, CHS, KNUST.
• Dispensing involves preparing and providing medicines, especially those prescribed.
• Dispensing is the supply of a medicine to an individual patient according to a practitioner's prescription, overseen directly or indirectly by a pharmacist.

What is a Prescription?

• A prescription is an order from a medical doctor, dentist or veterinary practitioner.
• It is required for the supply of medicine, dressing, or appliance to a patient or an animal's owner.
• Prescriptions are usually in written form and must be legible.
• They should be written in indelible ink, typewritten, or computer printed.
• Verbal instructions are occasionally given by the prescriber via telephone.
• Prescriptions should be written or printed legibly.

Reading a Prescription

• Check if the prescription is legal.
• Identify who the prescription is for.
• Note the name of the preparation.
• Understand the instructions for the patient.
• Determine the quantity to be dispensed.
• If unclear, do not dispense until clarification is obtained.
• Information on the animal type and weight is needed to verify drug and dose appropriateness for animal prescriptions.

Information about Medication

• Find out what the medication or medical appliance is.
• Determine how it acts and is used, its preparation and what advice the patient may need.

Procedures when presented with a prescription

• Assemble or prepare the medication.
• Pack it into a suitable container.
• Label the container.
• Endorse the prescription.
• Keep appropriate records.
• Hand over with advice.
• Dispose of the prescription properly.

Elements of a Prescription

• Include the patient's name, address, and age, especially if under 12 years.
• Specify the names and quantities of medications to be supplied.
• Provide instructions for the patient.
• Include the prescriber's profession, address, and signature.
• State the date the prescription was written or signed.
• Include the patient's title, such as Mr, Prof, or Mrs, along with the surname.
• Give initials or a full forename.
• Provide a clear and unambiguous address.
• Include a child patient's age under 12 because it helps the pharmacist check the prescribed dose.
• The patient's or animal's weight may be needed to calculate the appropriate dose in mg/kg.

Medicament Information

• Record the name and quantity of the preparation to be dispensed.
• Prescribers should write the names of medicines in full.
• The prescribed quantity and dosage form should be clearly stated.
• "Rx" is an abbreviation for the Latin word "recipe," meaning "to take".

Dispensing Considerations

• Many similar drug names can cause confusion, necessitating careful checking.
• Include the amount to be used, frequency and timing, route of administration, and special instructions.
• Prescriptions must state if the prescriber is a doctor, dentist or veterinary practitioner.
• Legal dating of prescriptions by prescribers is required.
• A time limit exists after which the prescription is not valid.
• "NP" is an abbreviation for the Latin "nomen proprium," meaning "the proper name".
• Dispensed medicines should be fully labeled.
• If the prescriber wishes to conceal the medicine's identity from the patient, it should be indicated the prescription.
• A repeat prescription is one that can be dispensed more than once.

Dispensing Procedures

• Carefully read the prescription to ensure it is complete and valid.
• Verify the dosage and directions are appropriate.
• Dispense the medicine.
• Counsel the patient.
• Keep appropriate records.

Handling and Issuing Prescriptions

• Ensure all necessary information is present on the prescription.
• Contact the prescriber if illegible or if any doubt exists.
• Confirm unusually high or low doses with the prescriber.
• Check for pharmaceutical or therapeutic incompatibilities.
• Check for potential interactions between different medicines for the same patient.
• Check storage requirements.
• Always check the information given to the patient is checked against the prescription.
• Provide any necessary additional verbal advice or information.

Making Records

• According to Pharmacy Act 1994 Act 489, individuals supplying Class A or B drugs must maintain a "Dangerous Drug Record".
• Any supply of Class A drugs must be recorded in this record.

Pharm 161, taught by Dr. (Mrs) M. El Boakye-Gyasi, orients students to dispensing prescriptions. Dispensing involves preparing and correctly supplying medicines as prescribed to individual patients. A prescription is an order from a medical practitioner required for supplying medicine.