From the Guidelines
To write a prescription, it is essential to verify patient identity using two identifiers, check for appropriate diagnosis, allergies, correct drug, dose, and directions, and review the patient profile for duplicate therapies, as outlined in the patient-centered standards for medically integrated dispensing 1. When writing a prescription, start by including the patient's full name, date of birth, and address at the top. Below this, write the date and include your name, credentials, and contact information. Begin the prescription with "Rx" followed by the medication name, strength, dosage form, quantity, and complete directions for use.
Key Components of a Prescription
- Medication name, strength, and dosage form
- Quantity and complete directions for use
- Number of refills allowed
- Specific instructions, such as "take with food" or "avoid alcohol"
- Signature and DEA number for controlled substances It is crucial to check for potential drug interactions, allergies, and appropriate dosing before prescribing, as well as considering cost and insurance coverage to improve patient adherence 1.
Safety Considerations
- Verify patient identity using two identifiers
- Check for appropriate diagnosis, allergies, correct drug, dose, and directions
- Review the patient profile for duplicate therapies
- Review the most recent provider note to validate the treatment plan
- Notify the prescriber if a patient does not pick up a prescription or accept delivery for an oncolytic Electronic prescribing is now preferred in many places as it reduces errors and prevents forgery 1.
Best Practices
- Use electronic prescribing whenever possible
- Include specific instructions and warnings on the prescription label
- Review the patient's medication list and medical history before prescribing
- Consider using medication reconciliation processes, such as those outlined in the standards of medical care in diabetes-2019 1, to ensure patient safety and prevent medication errors.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION 2. 1 Hypertension Initial Therapy in adults: The recommended initial dose is 10 mg once a day. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Writing Prescriptions
To write prescriptions, the following steps can be taken:
- Evaluate and clearly define the patient's problem 2
- Specify the therapeutic objective 2
- Select the appropriate drug therapy 2
- Initiate therapy with appropriate details and consider nonpharmacologic therapies 2
- Give information, instructions, and warnings 2
- Evaluate therapy regularly, such as monitoring treatment results and considering discontinuation of the drug 2
- Consider drug cost when prescribing 2
- Use computers and other tools to reduce prescribing errors 2
Key Considerations
When writing prescriptions, it is essential to consider the following:
- The patient's medical history and current condition 3, 4, 5
- The potential interactions between different medications 3, 4, 5
- The cost-effectiveness of the prescribed medication 4, 2
- The potential side effects of the medication 4, 5
Medication Selection
The selection of medication depends on various factors, including: