Prescription Writing Exam 1 Flashcards
List the parts of a prescription and the contents of each.
● Date
● Full name and address of patient
● Name, address and contact information of prescriber
● Drug name, dosage and strength
● Number and amount to be dispensed
● Complete instructions, including purpose of the medication, directions for use (including dose), dosing frequency, route of administration, duration of therapy
● Number of refills
● Signature of prescriber
● DEA number for scheduled substances (narcotics and other potentially abusive drugs not antibiotics)
Describe the Heading
● Name, address and telephone number of prescriber (on prescription blank)
● Name, address, telephone number and age of the patient
● Date of prescription (not a legal prescription unless date is written in = a frequent mistake)
Describe the Body
● The symbol Rx (Latin for “recipe”)
● Name and dosage size or concentration (liquids) of the drug
● Amount to be dispensed (abbreviated as Disp: or #) = if a scheduled substance, write in number as well (“ten”)
● Directions to the patient
Describe the Closing
● Prescriber’s signature
● DEA number if required
● Refill instructions
Be familiar with Latin abbreviations common to prescription writing.
● Rx = “recipe”
● Disp or # = amount to be dispensed, if a scheduled substance write in number as well
● Mitte= Quantity
● Sig= How it should be taken
State the factors to be considered when determining drug dosage.
● Do not prescribe the dosage as: 1 tube, 1 bottle, 1 carpule, 2 vials, etc.
● Correct:
○ Dispense 1 (one) 15 gm tube of ointment
○ Dispense 3 (three) 16 ounce bottles of antiseptic mouthrinse
● Lead with a whole number; never trail with a zero
○ Never place a decimal and a zero after a whole number
○ 2 mg is correct and 2.0 is incorrect
○ If the decimal point is not seen because it falls on a line or because individuals are working from copies where the decimal point is not seen, this causes a tenfold overdose
● Use commas
● Spacing between numbers and units of measurement (Should never have a period after a unit of measurement)
● The number dispensed must coincide with the dosage instructions.
How do you write an accurate prescription for a controlled substance?
● Scheduled I-IV drugs require a Rx, some states require (3) triplicate Rx form
● must have DEA number on Rx
- Must be written in pen/ink or typed and manually signed.
- Be sure to include the number of meds to be dispensed both numerical and spelled out to prevent any alterations of the prescription.
Describe Schedule I:
(Ex: heroin, opium, hallucinogens)
○ no legal medical uses except research
○ HIGH potential for abuse
Describe Schedule II:
“Class A narcotics”
(ex: amphetamines, barbiturates, Vicodin, Oxy)
○ legal medical uses and HIGH abuse potential, SEVERE dependence
○ CANNOT be telephoned, written Rx must be ordered
■ exception: LIMITED emergency supply followed by written Rx
○ CANNOT be refilled
Describe Schedule III:
“Class B narcotics”
○ legal medical use and LESSER degree of abuse, MODERATE dependence
○ may be phoned in
○ CANNOT refill more than 5x in 6 months, after 6 mo new written Rx required
○ MOST scheduled drugs in dentistry are schedule III and IV
Describe Schedule IV:
● (Ex: barbiurates, benzodiazepines, propoxyphenes)
○ legal medical use, LOW abuse, MODERATE dependence
○ may be phoned in
○ CANNOT refill more than 5x in 6 months, after 6 mo new written Rx required
○ MOST scheduled drugs in dentistry are schedule III and IV
Describe Schedule V:
● (Ex: cough and diarrhea meds)
○ legal medical use, LOW abuse, MODERATE dependence
○ Rx can be written or orally given
○ MAY be REFILLED
Where can you find good drug information at chairside?
1) Lexi-Comp
2) Dental Drug Reference w/ Clinical Implications
3) Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR)
What computer resources can you use for locating accurate drug information?
1) www.Medscape.com
2) RxList.com
3) WebMD.com
