Pharmaceutical Reference and Dosage Form PT1

• What should students be able to identify after completing this topic?

  Types of pharmaceutical reference books
• What is the purpose of pharmaceutical reference sources?

  To retrieve various information related to pharmaceuticals
• What is the definition of a prescription?

  An order written by a medical practitioner to a pharmacist for a specific medication
• What are the key components of a prescription?

  Patient information, date, superscription, inscription, subscription, signatura, prescriber information

  
• What are the different types of prescriptions?

  Pre-compounded and extemporaneous prescriptions
• What precautionary measures should be taken when receiving and interpreting prescriptions?

  • Carefully read the prescription
  • Refer to official reference books
  • Verify the dose
  • Check for ingredients under the Poison Schedule
  • Identify incompatibilities
  • Determine the correct compounding method
  • Know ideal storage conditions
• What does the term "Pharmacopoeia" mean?

  It means "to make a drug"
• What is the British Pharmacopoeia (BP)?

  Standards for drugs in the UK
• What does the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) provide?

  Legal standards for drugs in the U.S.
• What is the purpose of the European Pharmacopoeia (EP)?

  To provide common quality standards for medicines in Europe
• What is the Monthly Index of Medical Specialties (MIMS)?

  A quarterly pharmaceutical prescribing guide in Malaysia

  
• What does the British National Formulary (BNF) include?

  Information on indications, doses, side effects, interactions, and drug prices
• What is the Drug Information Handbook (Lexi-Comp)?

  A quick-reference guide for healthcare professionals

  
• What does Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference cover?

  Drugs used globally, including investigational and herbal medicines

  
• What is the step-by-step referring process using official pharmaceutical references?

  1. Identify the type of information required
  2. Choose the most relevant reference
  3. Navigate to the correct section
  4. Verify the drug’s name, strength, and formulation
  5. Cross-check information with other references if needed
• What is the definition of a prescription?

  An order written by a medical practitioner to a pharmacist
• What does the superscription of a prescription consist of?

  The heading containing the Rx symbol
• What is included in the inscription of a prescription?

  Details on the names of the medications, their forms, and dosages

  
• What does the subscription part of a prescription contain?

  The prescriber’s directions to the pharmacist
• What is the purpose of the signatura/transcription in a prescription?

  To provide instructions to the patient on how to take the medication
• What are the two types of prescriptions?

  Pre-compounded and extemporaneous prescriptions
• What is an official preparation in extemporaneous prescriptions?

  Medications prescribed as per official standards
• What should be done to ensure the validity of a prescription?

  Carefully read the prescription and ensure all details are clear
• What are the common Latin abbreviations used in prescriptions?

  • aa. or ana: of each
  • ac: before meal
  • bid: two times a day
  • prn: when necessary
  • Rx: take (prescription)
• What does the abbreviation "bid" stand for?

  Two times a day
• What does the abbreviation "prn" mean?

  When necessary
• What does the abbreviation "Rx" represent?

  Prescription
• What does "hs" stand for in prescription abbreviations?

  At bedtime
• What does "tid" mean in prescription terms?

  Three times a day
• What does "qid" stand for?

  Four times a day
• What does "pc" mean in prescription abbreviations?

  After meals
• What does "po" stand for?

  By mouth / orally
• What does "im" mean in prescription terms?

  By intramuscular injection
• What does "iv" stand for?

  By intravenous injection
• What does "sc" mean in prescription abbreviations?

  By subcutaneous injection
• What does "gtt." stand for?

  Drops
• What does "qs" mean in prescription terms?

  A sufficient quantity
• What does "stat." mean in prescription abbreviations?

  Immediately
• What does "noct." stand for?

  Night
• What does "od" mean in prescription terms?

  Once daily