PHARMCAL

• A prescription designates a specific medication and dosage to be prepared and dispensed by a pharmacist and administered to a particular patient
• Prescriptions can be written on preprinted forms or transmitted electronically to a pharmacy
• The symbol "Rx" in a medical prescription stands for the Latin word "recipe," meaning "to take"
• Prescriptions contain directions to the pharmacist (subscription) and directions to the patient (signa) in abbreviated forms of English, Latin, Arabic, and Roman numerals
• Prescriptions written by veterinarians include the animal species or pet's name and the owner's name
• In hospitals and institutions, medication orders may be used instead of traditional prescriptions
• A prescription may include patient information, medication desired, and directions for use
• Prescriptions may include the age, weight, and body surface area of the patient for dose calculation
• The parts of a prescription include patient information, superscription (Rx), inscription (medication prescribed), subscription, signatura (directions to the patient), special instructions, prescribers' information and signature, and date
• Prescriptions can be ordinary or controlled, with different requirements and regulations for each type
• Incorrect prescriptions can be categorized as erroneous, violative, or impossible based on various factors like brand name, generic name, and legibility
• Important terms related to prescriptions include military time, drug substance, excipient, compounding, dosage form, drug product, doses, drug concentration, rate of drug administration, medication scheduling, medication adherence, and medication verification
• Prescriptions often use Latin abbreviations to indicate directions for taking medication, which are understood universally among medical professionals
• Translating prescriptions with Latin abbreviations involves identifying the meaning of each abbreviation, translating them into sentences, and adding a verb depending on how and where the medication will be administered
• A prescription is an order or medication issued by a licensed medical practitioner, designating a specific medication and dosage for a particular patient
• Prescriptions can be written on preprinted forms or transmitted electronically to pharmacies
• The symbol "Rx" in a prescription stands for the Latin word "recipe," meaning "to take"
• Prescriptions contain patient information, medication prescribed, directions to the pharmacist, directions to the patient, special instructions, prescriber's information and signature, and the date
• Prescriptions may include patient's full name, address, gender, age, height, and weight for identification purposes
• The superscription (Rx) in a prescription means "recipe" or "take thou" and forms the beginning of a direct order from the prescriber
• The inscription in a prescription contains the name, dosage, and quantity of the prescribed medication
• The subscription in a prescription provides directions to the pharmacist for preparation and may designate the dosage form or number of units
• The signatura (Sig) in a prescription contains directions to the patient on how to take the medication
• Prescriptions may have special instructions or auxiliary labeling for important aspects of the dispensed medication
• Prescriptions can be ordinary or controlled, with different requirements and regulations
• Prescriptions are dated at the time they are written and received and filled in the pharmacy for verification and record-keeping
• Incorrect prescriptions can be categorized as erroneous, violative, or impossible based on various factors
• Important terms in prescriptions include military time, drug substance, excipient, compounding, dosage form, drug product, doses, drug concentration, and more
• Medication adherence or compliance refers to following instructions in taking prescribed medication
• Medication verification is the responsibility of the pharmacist to ensure correct prescription and medication orders
• Abbreviations and symbols are commonly used in prescriptions for efficiency and clarity
• Latin abbreviations in prescriptions are concise and universally understood among medical professionals
• Translating prescriptions with Latin abbreviations involves identifying meanings, translating into sentences, and adding verbs for administration directions
• Drug interactions are when two or more drugs interact with one another, leading to changes in absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, or other aspects of drug behavior.
• Absorption occurs through various routes such as oral, sublingual, rectal, transdermal, intramuscular, intravenous, etc.
• The four phases of PK include Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism/Elimination, and Excretion.