Difference between revisions of "Pro re nata"
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==Common PRN medications== | ==Common PRN medications== | ||
| − | Most often PRN medications are [[analgesics]] such as [[Paracetamol]] (acetaminophen), which is known as in [[Tylenol]] in Canada and the US, [[Hydrocodone]] (Vicodin), [[laxatives]] such as [[docusate]], antianxiety medicines such as [[lorazepam]] (Ativan), and [[antiemetic]]s such as [[ondansetron]] or [[dimenhydrinate]] (Gravol).{{Fact|date=April 2007}} | + | Most often PRN medications are [[analgesics]] such as [[Paracetamol]] (acetaminophen), which is known as in [[Tylenol]] in Canada and the US, [[Hydrocodone]] (Vicodin), [[laxatives]] such as [[docusate]], antianxiety medicines such as [[lorazepam]] (Ativan), hypnotics such as [[eszopiclone]] and [[antiemetic]]s such as [[ondansetron]] or [[dimenhydrinate]] (Gravol).{{Fact|date=April 2007}} |
It should be noted that none of the medications above are considered maintenance. PRN is often added to the prescribed directions for medication used to treat symptoms (as above: pain/fever, constipation, insomnia, anxiety, nausea/vomiting), but generally never as a maintenance drug. | It should be noted that none of the medications above are considered maintenance. PRN is often added to the prescribed directions for medication used to treat symptoms (as above: pain/fever, constipation, insomnia, anxiety, nausea/vomiting), but generally never as a maintenance drug. | ||
Revision as of 17:52, 10 April 2009
Pro re nata is a Latin phrase that literally means "for the thing born". It is commonly used in medicine to mean "as needed" or "as the situation arises." It is generally used as the acronym PRN to refer to dosage of prescribed medication that is not scheduled; instead administration is left to the caregiver or the patient's prerogative.[1] PRN administration of medication is not meant to imply and should never allow for exceeding a prescribed daily regimen.
Common PRN medications
Most often PRN medications are analgesics such as Paracetamol (acetaminophen), which is known as in Tylenol in Canada and the US, Hydrocodone (Vicodin), laxatives such as docusate, antianxiety medicines such as lorazepam (Ativan), hypnotics such as eszopiclone and antiemetics such as ondansetron or dimenhydrinate (Gravol).[citation needed]
It should be noted that none of the medications above are considered maintenance. PRN is often added to the prescribed directions for medication used to treat symptoms (as above: pain/fever, constipation, insomnia, anxiety, nausea/vomiting), but generally never as a maintenance drug.
PRN is often used for blood tests. A physician will write the order for blood work with PRN added to it. The patient may then use that order when needed.
Notes
- ↑ Pro re nata does not imply that the patient may take the medicine whenever the patient wants, but rather that the medicine may be taken in the prescribed dosage if needed.
External links
- Definition of PRN - Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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