1. Abbreviation: In most prescriptions, abbreviated terms are used by the prescriber which leads to major errors during interpretation by the pharmacists. For example: 'SSKI' is the abbreviated term of '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:
Drugs are available in the market in various strengths. So a drug must not be dispensed if the
strength is not written in the prescription. For example, Paracetamol tablet
500 mg should not be dispensed when no strength is mentioned in the
prescription.
4. 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: If an unusually
high or low dose is mentioned in the prescription then it must be consulted
with the prescriber. Sometimes a sustained release (SR) dosage form is
prescribed thrice or more times daily. Sustained Release dosage forms should be
given once or twice a day.
6. Instructions to the patient:
Sometimes the instruction for a certain preparation is either omitted or
mentioned partially. The quantity of the drug to be taken, the frequency and
timing of administration, and the route of administration should be mentioned
clearly so that it is easy for patients to take medicine.
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. For example: Tetracycline should not be taken with milk or antacid.