Difference between revisions of "Pro re nata"

Revision as of 02:31, 13 April 2010

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, also known as acetaminophen, hydrocodone (Vicodin), laxatives such as docusate, antianxiety medicines such as lorazepam (Ativan), hypnotics such as eszopiclone(Lunesta) 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.

The initials PRN also refer to casual employment, or "as needed". The usage of the initials started in the medical profession and were soon used in other industries.

Notes

1. ↑ 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 from Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary online