Rationality of Prescription Writing

Abstract

Prescription writing is one of the crucial tasks performed by the health professionals. A prescription is an instruction from prescriber to a patient as well as dispenser. Use of proper format for prescription writing ensures appropriate use of drug and helps in minimizing errors. Health professionals must take account of appropriateness, effectiveness, side effects, contraindications and cost when prescribing any medicine. Special care and precautions are needed in prescribing the drugs with abuse potentials to avoid their misuse. Irrational prescribing may account to professional and legal threat to a prescriber if done injudiciously as it indicates the prescriber’s responsibility towards clinical care and safety of patient. Every country has its own standards and regulations for prescription writing. There is no global standard for prescription writing which may suggest a need for introduction of universal guidelines. This article presents a comprehensive and simplified review on prescription writing. It may benefit the readers, especially the budding students to ensure the correct format in prescription writing and other relevant aspects.