Prescription: Prescription is a written order given by registered medical practitioner, any
other licensed person, veterinarians or dentist to pharmacist to dispense proper medication
to patient.
Common errors in Prescription.
Abbreviations:
i. Problem in understanding.
ii. Wrong interpretation by pharmacist.
iii. May guessed by pharmacist
iv. Ex. To dispense Achromycin for” Achro” may pharmacist dispense
Achrostatin.
2. Name of drug.
Certain drugs have sound like other.
i. Ex. Digitoxin&digoxin., Prednisone & prednisolone, Indocin &Lincocin.
3. Strength of Preparation.
i. There are various strength of preparations are available for same drug.
ii. The strength of preparation should be mention in prescription otherwise
error may occur in dispensing.
iii. Ex. Paracetamol tablet is written in prescription without strength, then
how pharmacist will dispense it.
4. Dosage form of drug prescribed.
i. Same drug available in different dosage form so it is very essential to
mention the dosage form.
ii. Ex. Tablet, capsule, suppository, liquid etc.
5. Dose.
i. Dose error may takes place with paediatric patients.
ii. Pharmacist must discuss the dose with physician.
6. Instruction for patient.
i. Incomplete or inappropriate instructions cause error in prescription.
ii. Ex. Two time a day or three time a day.
iii. Ex. Take with milk, take after meal etc.
7. Incompatibility.
i. It is very important to check the incompatibility by pharmacist in
prescription to avoid any therapeutic incompatibility.
ii. Different drugs prescribed for same patients may cause synergism or
antagonism.
iii. Ex. Acetylcholine and Atropine produce antagonism.