1. Abbreviation
Prescribers often use abbreviated terms in most prescriptions, leading to significant errors during interpretation by pharmacists. For example, ‘SSKI’ abbreviates ‘Saturated Solution of Potassium Iodide.’ It is preferable to avoid these types of misleading abbreviations.
2. Name of the drugs
Names of some drugs (especially the brand names) either look or sound alike. So, any error in the name of a drug will lead to major danger to the patient.
e.g. Althrocin – Eltroxin, Acidin – Apidin etc.
3. Strength of the preparation
Dispense a medication only if the strength is specified in the prescription, as drugs are available in various strengths in the market. For example, do not dispense a Paracetamol tablet 500mg when no strength is mentioned in the prescription.
4. The dosage form of the drug prescribed
Many drugs are available in more than one dosage form, e.g., liquid, tablets, injections, or suppositories. The dosage form intended for the patient must be mentioned in the prescription to reduce ambiguity.
5. Dose
Consult with the prescriber if the prescription mentions an unusually high or low dose. Sometimes, if a sustained release (SR) dosage form is prescribed thrice or more daily, administer it once or twice a day.
6. Instructions to the patient
Discuss the route of administration clearly if the instruction for a certain preparation is omitted or mentioned partially.
7. Incompatibilities
It is essential to check that there are no pharmaceutical or therapeutic incompatibilities in the prescription. If more than two medicines are prescribed, then the pharmacist must see whether their interactions will produce any harm to the patient or not. Certain drugs have interactions with food. The pharmacist has to advise the patient about it. E..g, Tetracycline should not be taken with milk or antacid.
