Prescriptions

Prescriptions are formal orders written or transmitted by licensed health professionals authorizing a pharmacist to dispense a specific medication or medical device to a patient. A prescription typically includes the patient’s name and date, the drug name and strength, dosage form, directions for use, quantity, and the prescriber’s name and contact information. It may also contain warnings, indications, or refill instructions. Prescriptions can be delivered as written paper prescriptions, electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions), or verbal orders in certain situations, which the pharmacist may verify.

The purpose of a prescription is to ensure that medications are appropriate for the patient, correctly dosed, and obtained from a licensed source. The pharmacist’s role includes verifying the prescription, checking for drug interactions, allergies, and duplications, and counsel ing the patient on how to take the medicine, potential side effects, and storage and disposal considerations. Prescriptions also enable documentation of the treatment in the patient’s medical record and can facilitate insurance coverage and cost controls.

Regulation of prescriptions varies by jurisdiction. Many regions regulate refills and the issuing of medicines with schedule-controlled substances through stricter rules, oversight, and secure transmission channels. The rise of electronic prescribing has improved accuracy, traceability, and formulary compliance. Across systems, a prescription generally represents a legal authorization to dispense a medication or device, with validity tied to specific time frames, patient information, and appropriate professional oversight.