Rx= Prescription: A written directive to a pharmacist giving names and quantities of ingredients to be combined and dispensed for a particular patient.
- Prescription Label
Prescription drug labels should be written according the doctor’s order and should include:
- Resident’s name.
- Name of the drug.
- Strength of the drug.
- Quantity of drug in the container.
- Time medication should be taken.
- Any directions for use or special precautions
- Date the prescription was filled and number of refills.
- Prescriber’s name, (ie. Doctor)
- Pharmacy name, address and phone number.
- Rx number
- Expiration date/ discard date/ do not use by date
2. Auxiliary Labels
Sometimes, the pharmacist will place a smaller, additional label (usually colored) on the container with special instructions, such as the following:
“Shake well before using.”
“Do not drink alcoholic beverages when taking this medication.”
“Medication should be taken with plenty of water.”
“May cause drowsiness.”
“Take with food.”
It is important to read the auxiliary labels as well as the full prescription label. If your pharmacist is not using auxiliary labels, you should request them.
P.S: IMPORTANT: YOU CANNOT MAKE CHANGES ON A PRESCRIPTION LABEL. ONLY A PHARMACIST CAN CHANHGE A PRESCRIPTION LABEL.
3. Exercises:
Answer the following questions using the label above:
- Who is the medication prescribed for?
- How many tablets should the person take?
- What is the strength of the medication?
- What is the name of the medication?
- When does the medication expire?Answer the following questions using the label above:
- Should this medication be swallowed whole?
- What is the prescription number?
- Are there any special instructions?
- How many tablets should be taken at once?
- What is the name of the resident’s doctor?
