Prescription

A prescription is a formal instruction from a licensed prescriber that authorizes a pharmacist to dispense a specific medication for a patient. It may be written, oral, or electronic and is intended to ensure appropriate drug selection, dosing, duration, and administration.

A typical prescription includes patient identification, the drug name and strength, dosage form, route of administration, dosing instructions (how often and for how long), quantity to dispense, indications if required, and prescriber details. It may also specify refills and any cautions, interactions, or monitoring requirements. Electronic prescriptions also create an audit trail and can include checks for drug interactions.

Prescriptions are subject to regional regulations. They may be valid for a limited time and allow a certain number of refills; drugs may be designated as prescription-only or behind-the-counter, and some substances are controlled with additional safeguards. Pharmacists may substitute a prescribed brand with an approved generic unless the prescriber or policy prohibits it.

Pharmacists verify the prescription for accuracy, contraindications, allergies, potential interactions, and appropriateness of therapy, and provide patient counseling on use, storage, and side effects. If information is missing or unclear, the pharmacist may contact the prescriber for clarification before dispensing.

In many jurisdictions, the term prescription also denotes the legal obligation to initiate treatment within a specified timeframe or the authority to dispense certain medicines. The practice emerged to promote safe, effective, and accountable drug therapy.