A prescribed medication order is a formal directive from a prescriber (physician, nurse practitioner, dentist, etc.) to a pharmacist, detailing the drug therapy a patient should receive.
Orders can be written, verbal, or electronic.
Interpretation of Medication Order
The pharmacist follows these steps to interpret a medication order accurately:
Medication Name: Verifies the specific medication, differentiating between brand and generic names if necessary.
Dosage Form and Strength: Ensures the correct form (tablet, capsule, solution) and strength.
Dosage and Frequency: Confirms the prescribed dose and dosing schedule.
Duration of Therapy: Checks how long the patient should take the medication.
Special Instructions: Notes additional directions, like "take with food" or "shake well before using."
Safety Checks: Reviews for potential drug interactions, allergies, or contraindications.
Legal Requirements of Prescribed Medication Order
Legal requirements vary by jurisdiction but generally include:
Prescriber Information: Full name, address, and registration or DEA number.
Patient Information: Full name, date of birth, and address.
Date of Issue: When the prescription was written.
Signature: A handwritten, electronic, or digital signature of the prescriber.
Controlled Substances: May require special details, such as specifying quantity in words and numbers or using specific prescription pads.
Refills: Clearly states the number of allowed refills.
Expiration: Many prescriptions expire one year from issuance, though this varies.
Pharmacists must also verify prescription legitimacy and contact the prescriber if there are any concerns regarding authenticity or appropriateness.