Formulations and Abbreviations

Question 1

PRN

Answer 1

pro re nata,

“as the thing is needed.”

You may not take a certain medicine at a specific time but rather take it when you need it.

Question 2

Modified-Release

Answer 2

Mechanisms used in tablets (pills) and capsules to dissolve a drug over time in order to be released more slowly and steadily into the bloodstream

Question 3

Breakthrough Analgesia

Answer 3

Breakthrough pain typically refers to a transitory flare of pain in the setting of chronic pain managed with opioid drugs

e.g. palliative, cancer patients

Question 4

Syringe Driver

Answer 4

A syringe driver is a small, portable, battery driven
pump.

This goes through a small plastic needle, placed
under the skin.

The medication in the syringe is
prescribed by your doctor and may be a painkiller, antisickness or calming medication, or a combination of
these.

A small dose of the medication is given under the
skin every hour for 24 hours.