Prescription Basics
This is a written or electronic medication order.
prescription
A review to prevent drug interactions.
DUR
Preparing medication customized for a patient.
extemporaneous compounding
These are the directions to the patient.
Sig
Receiving a prescription from another pharmacy.
Transfer in
This part of the prescription lists the drug and strength.
inscription
A harmful reaction to a medication.
ADR
Compounding that does not require sterility.
nonsterile compounding
This tells the pharmacist not to substitute generic.
DAW
Sending a prescription to another pharmacy.
transfer out
This number allows providers to prescribe controlled substances.
DEA
A prescription sent electronically.
e-prescription
Adding liquid to powdered medication.
reconstitute
This means as needed
PRN
Dispensing less than prescribed initially.
partial fill
This symbol means prescription.
Rx
Dispensing less than prescribed with remainder later.
partial fill
Medication packaged as a single dose.
unit dose
Symbol for prescription.
RX
Medication packaged per single dose.
unit dose
This means “as needed.”
PRN
A prescription kept for later dispensing.
prescription on file
Medication packaged for full treatment course.
unit
Review to prevent medication errors.
DUR
Medication packaged per full course.
unit of use