Principles of Prescription writing

1. Prescription Writing

2. What is a prescription?

3. History

4. Whom it addresses?
• Ancient prescriptions were directed to apothecaries.
• Contained multiple ingredients. Were complex to prepare.
• So for sake of accuracy – Latin used.
• Modern day prescriptions more or less address the patients directly.

6. Who can prescribe?
• RMP, nurse practitioners and pharmacists.
• RMP - Registered with Medical Council & possessing degree
recognized by any Schedule of Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.
• Dentists, Vet
• Particular specialty only. Eg, Sildenafil Citrate only by Urologist,
Psychiatrist, Endocrinologist, Dermatologist or Venerologist.

7. Types of Prescriptions
• Compounded/ Extemporaneous/ Magistral.
• Pre-compounded.

8. MODEL PRESCRIPTION FORMAT (MCI)
Dr. Shashank Pandey
(MBBS, MD Medicine)
Regn. No. DMC/R/2204
Medicine O.P.D. No. 12,
Vardhaman Hospital, Delhi – 92
Phone : 011-22775035, Email : Shashank.p@gmail.com
Date: 23/03/2016
Name of the patient Satya Sharma
Address 17-D, Pocket – C, Mayur Vihar Phase – 2, Delhi – 110091
Age and Sex 62 years/ Male
Rx
Tablet GLYCERYL TRINITRATE 5milligram SUBLINGUAL STAT (IN CAPITAL LETTERS ONLY)
One tablet should be taken.
If symptoms do not resolve, may be repeated at 5 minute intervals for three doses.
Signature
(Dr. Shashank Pandey)
DISPENSED
Date : 23/03/2016 Pharmacist : Mr. Rajesh
Name of the Pharmacy City : Delhi

9. Legal Aspects
• Legible handwriting - a legal duty – Court can
impose punishment. Source: J R Coll Gen Pract, 1989: 347-8
(WHO)
• Refills.
• Schedule H.
• Schedule X.

10. Errors in Drug Orders
• Institute of Medicine (IOM) estimates - 44,000 and 98,000 deaths
(Kohn et al., 2000).
• By being alert to common problems that can occur with medication
orders and communicating with the patient’s physician, pharmacists
and other healthcare professionals can assist in reducing medication
errors. (Murray et al., 2009).

11. AVOIDING ERRORS…
Abbreviations written out in full – 1 cap t.i.d. pc – written as "take one
capsule three times daily after meals“.
Write the generic name in brackets if brand prescribed.
Prefix zero before decimals.
- Digoxin 0.125 mg, Clonazepam 0.25 mg

12. Avoid unnecessary decimal points.
Avoid trailing zeros in decimals.
Write "mL" instead of "cc" or "cm³" to avoid misreading 'c' as ‘0’.
Write micrograms.
Avoid using /.

13. Write units instead of IU or U.
Avoid writing “teaspoons” or “tablespoons”.
Quantities of 1 gram or more should be written as 1 g, 1.5 g etc.
When "as needed" written.
• specify indication.
• maximum amount & frequency.
Avoid ambiguity of intent.

14. Where possible specify events or times.
- after breakfast & dinner.
- at 8 am & 9 pm instead of twice daily.
Writing numbers as words and numerals (“dispense thirty”).
Do not use older units and symbols of measure (pints (O), ounces (℥),
drams (ℨ), scruples (℈), grains (gr), and minims (♏).
Warn about common adverse effects.
Give emergency contact numbers (personal or hospital).

15. Good prescription writing…
• Presence of patient.
• Write without hesitation, with determination and concentration.
• Avoid distractions while writing.
• Do not make any changes or cross-outs.
• Set aside for a few minutes and proof read before affixing signature.
• Never loan your prescription pads to anyone.

19. THANK YOU