Lecture 3 - Prescription Writing Practice Flashcards

These flashcards cover the key components of prescription writing, including anatomy, common medical abbreviations, dosing measurements, and legal requirements for controlled substances as discussed in the lecture notes.

Prescription drugs (Legend drugs)

Drugs that can only be dispensed with a legal prescription and tend to have a lower safety profile than OTC drugs.

DEA #

A number required for prescribing controlled substances that lasts for 3 years.

Inscription

The part of a prescription containing the name of the drug, concentration or strength, and formulation (e.g., solution, ointment, or tablet).

Subscription

The part of a prescription specifying the quantity of the drug to be dispensed (e.g., number of tablets, weight of container, or volume of bottle).

Signatura (Signa)

The instructions for use, including how to use the drug, where to apply it, how much, and how often.

Instill

The correct instructional terminology used for ophthalmic drops.

Apply

The correct instructional terminology used for ophthalmic or dermatologic ointments.

NR

An abbreviation meaning "no refills."

Naked decimal

A leading decimal point without a preceding zero (e.g., $.5$), which must be avoided (use $0.5$ instead) to prevent medication errors.

Terminal zero

A zero following a decimal point (e.g., $1.0$), which should never be used as it can be mistaken for a larger number.

a.c.

Before meals.

p.c.

After meal.

h.s. (q.h.s.)

At bedtime.

b.i.d.

Twice daily.

p.o.

By mouth, orally.

ut. dict

As directed.

prn

When necessary.

q.d.

Once daily.

q.i.d.

4 times a day.

t.i.d.

3 times a day.

q.h.

Every hour.

q.2h.

Every 2 hours.

gtt(s)

Drop(s).

One drop (Apothecary volume)

$1/20\,ml$.

One teaspoonful

$5\,ml$.

Three teaspoonfuls (One tablespoonful)

$15\,ml$ or $1/2\,oz$.

Two tablespoonfuls

$30\,ml$ or $1\,oz$.

One cup

$240\,ml$ or $8\,oz$.

Controlled Substances

Substances that may produce physical or psychological dependence, categorized into 5 classes (schedules) based on medical value and potential for abuse.

Bioequivalent

A requirement for generic drugs to have the same active ingredient, concentration, dosage form, and route of administration as the brand name equivalent.

Brand Medically Necessary - Do Not Substitute

The specific phrase to use in Texas when a prescriber wants only the brand name drug to be dispensed.

Medication Error

A preventable event that may lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the drug is in the control of a professional, patient, or consumer.