A prescription is a written or electronic order from a healthcare professional directing a pharmacist to dispense medication to a patient. It is derived from the Latin words "prae" meaning "before" and "scribere" meaning "to write". A prescription contains key information like the patient's details, medication, dosage, and instructions. It is signed by the prescriber to provide legal validity. Many prescriptions now use electronic transmission for efficiency. Prescriptions commonly use Latin abbreviations to indicate dosage frequency and administration route, such as PO for oral intake and BID for twice daily.

1. Common Latin
Terms in
Prescription
Writing

2. Prescription is written
for diagnosis,
prevention and
treatment of a specific
patient's disease.

3. A prescription is a
written or electronic order
from a qualified
healthcare professional,
typically a physician or
other authorized
prescriber, directing a
pharmacist to dispense a
specific medication or
treatment to a patient
Prescription derived from a
Latin word Prescriptus
which made up of two Latin
word Prae means "before"
and scribere means "to
write"

4. Types of prescription
 General Prescription:
This is the standard type of prescription that includes the prescriber's information,
patient details, medication name, dosage, route of administration, and
instructions for use.
 Compounded Prescription:
Compounded prescriptions involve medications that are customized or mixed by
a pharmacist to meet the specific needs of a patient. This may be necessary when
commercially available medications are not suitable.(currently not in use)
 Electronic Prescription (e-Prescription):
With advancements in technology, many prescriptions are now transmitted
electronically from the prescriber to the pharmacy. Electronic prescriptions
enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and allow for real-time tracking of medication
dispensing.

5. Parts Of Prescription
Patient information
date
Superscription
Inscription
Subscription
Signa
Signatures
Prescriber information

6. prescription

7. Date :
date when the prescription is written
Superscription:
This is often represented by the symbol "Rx" (an abbreviation for the Latin word "Recipe,"
meaning "Take"). It indicates that the document is a prescription.
Inscription:
This section provides details about the medication, including the names and amounts of the
active ingredients(Quantity), as well as their formulation (e.g., tablet, capsule, liquid).

8. Subscription:
The prescription includes instructions for the pharmacist regarding the
preparation of the medication. This includes the dosage, route of administration
(e.g., oral, intravenous), and the total quantity to be dispensed.
Signa
Instruction for the patient
Route of Administration
no. Of doses
special features( shake well, refrigerate)
Warnings

9. Prescriber’s information:
The prescription must be signed by the prescriber. The signature adds legal validity to the document.
Special Instructions:
Any additional notes or warnings, such as potential side effects or cautionary
information, may be included to guide the patient and pharmacist.

10. Some latin
terms
 Rx (Recipe):
 Abbreviation for "prescription" or "take." It is a traditional symbol
indicating that the document is a prescription.
 PO (Per Os):
 Abbreviation for "by mouth." Indicates that the medication should be
taken orally.
 PR (Per Rectum):
 Abbreviation for "by rectum." Indicates that the medication should be
administered through the rectum.
 IM (Intramuscular):
 Abbreviation for "into the muscle." Indicates that the medication should
be administered into the muscle.
 IV (Intravenous):
 Abbreviation for "into the vein." Indicates that the medication should be
administered directly into the bloodstream.
 BID (Bis in Die):
 Abbreviation for "twice a day." Indicates the frequency of medication
dosing.
 TID (Ter in Die):
 Abbreviation for "three times a day." Indicates that the medication should
be taken three times a day.
 QD (Quaque Die):
 Abbreviation for "every day" or "once a day." Indicates that the
medication should be taken daily.

11. Cont...
 PRN (Pro Re Nata):
Abbreviation for "as needed." Indicates that the
medication should be taken only when necessary.
 AC (Ante Cibum):
Abbreviation for "before meals." Indicates that the
medication should be taken before eating.
 PC (Post Cibum):
Abbreviation for "after meals." Indicates that the
medication should be taken after eating.
 HS (Hora Somni):
Abbreviation for "at bedtime." Indicates that the
medication should be taken before sleep.
 Stat:
Abbreviation for "immediately" or "at once."
Indicates that the medication should be
administered promptly.


12. Cont...
 QID (Quater in Die):
 for "four times a day." Indicates that the
medication should be taken four times a day.
 IV(intravenously): Abbreviation for
"Abbreviation for "into the Veins."
 IN (intranasal) : Abbreviation for "Abbreviation for
"into the Nasal."
 Susp. (suspension)
 Cr. (cream)
 Die (day)
 Hora hour)
 Gh (every hour)
 S.o.s.

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