Anatomy of a Rx

Ohio OD Prescribing Abilities

• Can use any topical medication for diagnostic or therapeutic ophthalmic use: to treat disorders of eye, adnexa, and visual system

• Categories of Oral Meds:

  • Anti-infectives

  • anti-glaucoma

  • anti-allergy

  • Anti-inflammatory (with restrictions on oral steroids)

  • Analgesics (with restrictions on Schedule II,III, and IV controlled substances including requirement of DEA number)

• Can Rx for ocular conditions ONLY

• Can Rx for disorders only, NOT for cosmetic use

• Can only dispense smallest sample dose available

• Cannot charge for samples or for the Rx itself

• Must report extreme or unexpected adverse reactions to Ohio Vision Professionals Board

Lines of Prescription

1st line: Inscription

2nd line: Subscription

3rd line: Signa aka “SIG”

Refill allocation

Special instructions

Prescriber’s signature and license #

Superscription

Rx symbol

Inscription

Medication prescribed including

concentration/strength and formulation

Subscription

Dispensing directions to the

pharmacist (i.e. how much to give)

Signa

Directions for patient use

B.I.D.

twice a day

H.S.

at bedtime

p.o.

by mouth

p.r.n.

as needed

gtt(s)

drop(s)

q.h.

every hour

Q.I.P.

4x a day

sol.

solution

susp.

suspension

T.I.D.

3x a day

ung.

ointment