Prescription Systems and Guidelines

Prescription Definition

• A prescription is an order to supply medication.
• It's performed through two systems: National Health Service (NHS) and private prescription.
• The application of these systems varies by country, depending on the type, size, or amount of medical supplies.

NHS Prescription System

• In systems like the UK's NHS, the government covers the cost of general prescriptions.

Private Prescription System

• The patient pays the full cost of medication with a private prescription.

Prescription Requirements

• Must be written in ink (or similar, non-erasable).
• Must include the date.
• Must contain the patient's full name and address.
• Must be signed by the prescriber (in ink).
• Should include the patient's birth and age, especially for infants and children.

Avoiding Prescription Errors

• Use standard abbreviations (e.g., g for gram, mg for milligram).
• Avoid unnecessary details or numbers.
• Clearly state medication quantities (e.g., 10 mL of nasal drops).
• Write drug names completely and clearly.
• Specifiy the treatment duration (including number of days and amounts of medicine).
• Include directions for use.
• Include the doctor's signature at the bottom of the prescription.
• Clearly state any important patient advisories and warnings.
• State any need for the formulation to be freshly prepared (e.g., 24 hours before use).
• Include any other relevant advice.
• Warn patients if therapy has sedative effects (e.g., do not operate a vehicle).
• The required strength of the medication must be specified on the prescription.
• The prescription must include all required items; Pharmacists should not dispense incomplete prescriptions.

Prescription Components

• Super inscription: Heading, often symbolized as (Rx).
• Inscription: Lists medications and quantities.
• Subscription: Details the dosage form (e.g., liquid, powder).
• Signature: Instructions for use, route of administration, dosage, timing, and repeating needs (e.g., external use).

Repeatable Prescriptions

• The prescriber can specify repeats for an item.
• If "repeat" appears, the medicine can be dispensed multiple times.
• "Repeats" do not apply to all prescriptions (e.g., contraceptives).
• If a specific number of repeats is stated, the prescription can be filled that many times in total. (e.g., if the prescription says "repeat six times," the prescription must be supplied seven times total).

Additional Information

• Date of dispensing.
• Amount of medication to be dispensed.