JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY HYDERABAD Pharm. D I Year PHARMACEUTICS Previous Question Paper (January/February - 2021 - R08)

A prescription is a written order from a registered medical practitioner to a pharmacist, directing the preparation and dispensing of medication for a patient. It is a legal document that serves as a communication link between the prescriber, the pharmacist, and the patient.

The prescription consists of the following main parts:

• Date: Essential for determining the validity of the prescription and preventing misuse of controlled substances.
• Patient Information: Includes the name, address, age, and sex of the patient to ensure correct identification and dosage calculation.
• Superscription: Represented by the symbol 'Rx', which originates from the Latin word 'Recipe', meaning 'take thou'.
• Inscription: The main body of the prescription containing the names and quantities of the prescribed ingredients.
• Subscription: Directions to the pharmacist regarding the dosage form to be prepared (e.g., capsules, mixture, ointment).
• Transcription (Signa): Instructions for the patient regarding the frequency, route, and timing of administration, often abbreviated as 'Sig'.
• Signature, Address, and Registration Number: The prescriber's details, which validate the document and provide contact information for verification.

The handling of a prescription by a pharmacist involves a systematic process to ensure patient safety and accuracy:

1. Receiving: The pharmacist should receive the prescription politely and maintain a professional demeanor.
2. Reading and Checking: The prescription must be read carefully to ensure it is clear, legible, and complete. The pharmacist must check for any potential drug interactions, contraindications, or dosage errors.
3. Recording: The prescription details are entered into the pharmacy record or computer system for future reference and legal compliance.
4. Packaging and Labeling: The medication is prepared according to the subscription, packaged in suitable containers, and labeled clearly with the patient's name, dosage instructions, date, and pharmacist's initials.
5. Final Check and Dispensing: A final verification is performed to ensure the dispensed medication matches the prescription. The medication is then handed to the patient with clear verbal instructions and counseling regarding storage and usage.