Storage and Management of Prescription Drugs

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for implementing extra cautionary measures for controlled drugs?

They are cheaper than other medications.

They require a doctor's prescription.

There is a chance of misuse, addiction, and abuse. (correct)

They have a higher efficacy than OTC drugs.

Which statement accurately describes over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?

OTC drugs are safe to use and do not require a prescription. (correct)

OTC drugs require a doctor's prescription.

OTC drugs include only prescription medications.

OTC drugs are regulated like controlled substances.

What must consumers do when using over-the-counter medications?

Diagnose their own condition and monitor the medication's effectiveness. (correct)

Only use as directed by a healthcare provider.

Adhere strictly to controlled substances regulations.

Which of the following features is NOT typically associated with the safety profile of OTC drugs?

Mandatory registration with a physician. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is crucial in the storage requirements for controlled substances?

Controlled substances need to be kept under direct supervision. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the storage of prescription drugs is correct?

Controlled drugs must be kept separate and always under lock and key. Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for the prescription of controlled substances?

The prescription must detail dosage and strength in both words and numbers. Signup and view all the answers

Why are poisons classified under Schedule 1 required to be stored in a locked area?

They are highly toxic and can cause significant harm. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of keeping the storage area of drugs accessible only to medical or nursing staff?

To prevent unauthorized access and potential misuse. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes controlled substances from over-the-counter medications?

Controlled substances can cause addiction and are more likely to be abused. Signup and view all the answers

What must the key for controlled drug storage always be in?

The personal possession of the responsible medical staff. Signup and view all the answers

When storing medications, what is one of the key principles regarding the storage of oral medications?

They must be kept distinctly separate from topical lotions and preparations. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is essential for substances classified as controlled drugs?

They are highly addictive and can cause significant harm if misused. Signup and view all the answers

What must a prescription include for it to be valid?

Doctor's signature and date Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following categories of medicines requires an order to be given for a patient to receive the drug?

Prescription Only Medicines Signup and view all the answers

What does a prescription need to specify for medications prescribed in intervals?

The number of installments and intervals Signup and view all the answers

Who must write prescriptions to be considered valid?

A doctor personally Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of medicines can be obtained easily from shops or counters?

General Sales List Medicines Signup and view all the answers

What kind of identification must be provided when purchasing Pharmacy Only Medicines?

Name and identification card Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for writing prescriptions that cannot be met by coded prescriptions?

They must be clear to all pharmacists Signup and view all the answers

What role does electronic medical records play in current prescription practices?

They are used to print prescriptions at pharmacies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Storage of Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs must be stored in designated cabinets or shelves.
Oral drugs should be stored separately from lotions and external preparations.
Poisons (Schedule 1 drugs) must be kept in a locked area.
Storage areas must be accessible only to medical and nursing staff.
Controlled drugs should be stored separately from other drugs and kept under lock and key.
The key to controlled drugs should be in the personal possession of the staff nurse in charge or the doctor.

Components of a Prescription

Dosage Form: Indicates whether the drug is a tablet, mixture, etc.
Strength: Specifies the concentration of the active ingredient.
Quantity: Defines the total amount or dosage units to be dispensed.
Indication: The reason for the prescribed medication, written in both words and numbers.

Controlled Drugs

Controlled drugs are a special category of drugs that are highly addictive and have a potential for misuse or abuse.
Prescriptions for controlled drugs must include dosage form, strength, total quantity, and indication.
The indication must be written in both words and numbers.
Controlled drug prescriptions must be written with extra caution due to the risk of misuse, addiction, and abuse.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Drugs

Include General Sales List (GSL) and pharmacy medicines.
Do not require a doctor's prescription.
Considered safe for consumer use.
Consumers must be able to self-diagnose their condition and monitor the effectiveness of the drug.
OTC drugs have a high margin of safety, adhere to strict guidelines, and have a limited drug interaction profile.
They have a low potential for abuse.
OTC drugs are easy to use and monitor.

Categories of Dispensing Medicines by Forensic Classification

Prescription Only Medicine (POM): Requires a doctor's prescription to obtain.
Pharmacy Only Medicine (P-Med): May need to provide name and identification to the pharmacist when purchasing.
General Sales List (GSL): Available for purchase readily from shops and counters without a prescription.

Prescription Requirements

Prescriptions must be signed by a doctor with their usual signature.
Prescriptions must be dated.
Currently, prescriptions at government institutions are entered into electronic medical records and printed out by the pharmacy or ward.
Prescriptions must include the name and address of both the patient and doctor.
The prescribed dose and total quantity must be specified.
Prescriptions must specify the number of installments, the interval between installments, and the amount to be dispensed at each interval if the medication is to be dispensed in intervals.
Prescriptions cannot be written in code.

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Description

Explore the essential principles of storing and managing prescription drugs. This quiz covers the proper storage methods for different drug forms, the requirements for controlled substances, and the key components that make up a prescription. Test your knowledge to ensure safe medication practices.