Pharmacy Layout

Layout of the Pharmacy

Goal: Maximize workflow and efficiency

Medication Storage Areas

U shaped, to ensure that all stock bottles are within reach

Alphabetically by Brand Name

Possible method to organize stock bottles in a Pharmacy

Speed Shelf

Also known as "fast mover section" Holds most prescribed medications.

Refrigerator

Temperature controlled location for storage of Insulin, Vaccinations and some liquid Antibiotics

In Window Counter

Location were: Technician greets patients
Technician obtains patient information about new prescriptions; Should be free of signs, displays or supplies that interfere with patient service

Out Window Counter

Technician or Clerk complete the sales transaction;Also called Pick Up Window; Keep uncluttered

Drive Through Window

Patients can drop off or pick up a prescription from their vehicle

Counseling Area

Designated area for patient to be counseled by the pharmacist; Out of the way of customer traffic to allow the counseling to occur while protecting the patient's privacy

Data Entry Area

Enter Patient Information; Print Prescription Labels on a printer located in dispensing area

Data Entry Area; To Be Entered

Holds prescription forms until they are keyed into the computer; Waiting patient prescription forms are placed ahead of patients who will return later

Data Entry Area; To Be Filled

Rack or filing system organized by pick-up times
Prepared by working technicians; Organized according to Pick-Up times; Ensure that prescriptions are ready when the patients expect them to be

Data Entry Area; Staging Section

Counter space next to or near the dispensing area
Label, original prescription order and stock bottles of medications to dispense are placed in the staging area

Dispensing Area

The part of the counter where the technician counts, pours and packages medications
Only equipment need to dispense should be in this area. Such as:
Counting equipment
Counting trays
Automatic pill counters

To avoid Cross Contamination

Clean counting tray between with isopropyl alcohol between medications

Antibiotic Suspensions

Product has a short shelf life after water is added; should not be reconstituted until the patient picks up their prescription

Auxiliary labels

Are printed with the prescription label
If not printed, preprinted rolls are kept in dispensing area

Prescription Bottles

Containers that are necessary to dispense drugs in accordance with federal and state laws.

Behind the Counter Medications (BTC)

Do not require a prescription; Consult with Pharmacist;
Methamphetamine precursor chemicals; In Some States - Emergency Contraceptives

Over the Counter Medications (OTC)

Nonprescription medications; Near the pharmacy counter for ease of Pharmacist to recommend specific products or answer questions

Compounding Area

Used for the compound of nonsterile products
Creams, ointments lotions and gels; Near a sink

Clean Room

Controlled environment for compounding sterile products; found in hospitals and pharmacies that offer infusion services; Use of Laminar-Flow Hoods

Pharmacy Security

Keep pharmacy department's entrance and exit doors closed; Do not allow sales representatives or unauthorized people to enter; Do not allow store personnel to enter the pharmacy department unless they are scheduled to work in that area at the specific time; Keep the pharmacy department locked and inaccessible whenever a pharmacist is not on duty.

Legend Drug

Prescription drug; determined unsafe for over the counter purchase because of possible harmful side effects if taken indiscriminately.

Controlled Substance

A drug that has the potential for abuse and thus is regulated by law

Two areas of a pharmacy

Medication Storage Area
and Dispensing Work Area

Pharmacy Staff Can Include

Pharmacy clerks; Pharmacy technicians; Pharmacy interns and Pharmacists

Must be present to have the pharmacy open.

The Pharmacist