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Errors In Prescription Writing

The prescription should be written correctly by the medical practitioner,otherwise reading of prescription becomes one of the major jobs of the pharmacist.Most's of the today's prescription are written in English but number of times the spelling mistakes and confusing handwriting are major reasons in the understanding of prescription.Some of the errors in the prescription are as follows :
  • ERRORS IN PRESCRIPTION WRITING :- 
A) Spelling : The availability of lakh of brands in the markets is the main reason due to which medical practitioner are unable to reproduce and write correct name and spelling of the medicine.There are certain medicine whose names are similar in spelling or pronunciation.
E.g.Tab. DULCOLAX (GERMAN REMEDIES) a laxative tablet and Tab. DUOCLOX (FDX) antibacterial tablet.

B) Type of dosage forms : The same drug can be available in tablet, capsule or liquid oral dosage form for adults, drops for pediatrics, gels/ointments for topical use etc.Selection of dosage forms is based on the ability of patients to take that medicine, convienience in handling the prescription and onset of drug action. E.g. NSAID drugs like IBUPROFEN, DICLOFENACINDOMETHACIN etc. are available in tablets for adults,drops for pediatrics and external preparation to apply drug on site of action.

C) Strength : Some medicine especially those whose dosing is critical are available in different strengths.E.g. HALOPERIDOL, an antipsychotic drug is available in the form of tablets of various strengths viz. 0.25mg,1.5mg, 2mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20 mg.Hence pharmacists should dispense the medicine only when he fully interprets the prescription.

D) Dose and direction : The prescription usually bears schedule of dose E.g. Tab ASPIRIN 300 mg-1-1-1 x3 days.In addition it should mention the vehicle to be used, to be taken before the food/after food,etc.Most the medicine are taken along with water. ASPIRIN causes GI irritation and it should be taken after food.

  • ERRORS IN READING OF PRESCRIPTION :-
A)Similar pronounciation : A prescription should be handled by a pharmacists. If one pharmacists is reading the prescription and the other is dispensing as per his instructions, it increases the chances of dispensing the wrong drug.E.g Tab DIZEC (Smithkline Beecham) containing pancreatin for digestion disorders and Tab DIZEP (Intas) containing diazepam for anxiolytic purpose.

B)Incompatibility : Therapeutic incompatibility is the main concern of dispensing of modern medicine. Pharmacist should be able to identify and correct the incompatibility.


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