Parts of the Prescription

1. Only a physician can sign Schedule I, II, III and IV drugs (Highest strength is Schedule I )
2. Patient’s name and address, and the prescription date3. Superscription: the symbol (Rx) which means (take)
4. Inscription : (main part of the prescription) “drug name, form, and strength”
5. Subscription : directions to the pharmacist for the amount of drug to be dispensed
6. Signature : patient instructions (Sig:) to be placed on label
7. Refill information : (“REPETATUR 0 1 2 3 PRN”) refill instructions for the physician to circle
8. Physician’s signature and “Dispense as written” or “Substitute Generic Medication”

Uses of Medication,The Controlled Substances/Schedule Drugs & Dosage

1. Therapeutic Effect – desired effect of a drug.

2. Side Effect – adverse reactions to medications

3. Toxic Effect – overdose, allergic reaction, interactions with other drugs

4. Idiosyncratic Effect– cannot be explained or predicted

5. Contraindications – reasons against prescribing or administering a drug

***Controlled substances are also called schedule drugs – They include drugs with potential abuse such as narcotics, depressants, stimulants or hallucinogenics.

***All schedule drugs must be accounted for at all times.

***Those drugs administered to patients must be recorded in a log with the date, time, patient name, dosage, and amount dispensed.

***Formulas are used to calculate adult abd pediatric drug dosages.

Dosage Calculations:

Available strength (Ordered strength) = Available amount ( Amount to give)

Note: The Controlled Substances or Schedule Drugs is enforced by the DEA.

The body processes drugs by:

1. Absorption – in stomach and small intestine

2. Distribution– bloodstream

3. Metabolism– liver

4. Excretion – urine and feces

Role in Administering and Dispensing Medication

Medical Assistant must understand:
1. DEA ( Drug Enforcement Agency) legal guidelines
2. Read medication orders or prescriptions
3. How to administer medications under physicians’ orders

As a Medical Assistant you must:
1. Know and recognize side effects
2. Instruct patients about their medication
3. Search credible resources for additional informations

Note: Always refer to the latest Medical Assistant scope of practice to avoid errors.

Write Prescriptions for the following drugs:

Example 1: Neurontin 300mg tablet PO 3 times daily.

Write as: Rx Neurontin 300mg tabs PO

                          90 (ninety)

                          Sig. take 1 tab tid

Example 2: Cipro 500mg tablet PO 2 times for 10 days.

Write as: Rx Cipro 500mg tabs PO

                           20 (twenty)

                           Sig. take 1 tab bid for 10 days