Some Reminders About Prescription Writing

Abstract

A prescription is a written order by a physician to a pharmacist to dispense a therapeutic agent to a patient. This therapeutic transaction is the sum of the physician's evaluation of the problem (the history, physical examination, diagnostic tests, decision on treatment, and prognosis). On this single sheet of paper are the final results of the physician's education, experience, and diagnostic acumen. The prescribing physician should use a drug only if necessary and should choose the safest and most effective agent with which he has knowledge and experience. The physician should know the ingredients that make up the contents of the drug, not only the active ingredients, but inactive ingredients as well, such as the sugar content, the alcohol content, preservatives, emulsifiers, fillers, and stabilizers. HOW TO WRITE A GOOD PRESCRIPTION 1. Write or print the prescription legibly. If the physician has poor writing, preprinted or typed prescriptions may help. 2. Spell the name(s) of the drug(s) correctly, especially in view of the number of "look-alikes" and "sound-alikes." Get in the habit of writing both the trade and generic names. 3. Write the prescription in proper English grammar. Latin abbreviations such as q.i.d. may be interpreted as q.d. and are no longer recommended. Avoid phrases such as "as directed" or "as needed." Specify exact times to be taken: daytime hours, around the clock, and relationship to meals.