Pro re nata
Pro re nata - Latin literally meaning "For the thing born," but commonly used to mean "as needed" or "as the situation arises."
It is generally used as the acronym PRN in medicine to refer to dosage of prescribed medication that is not scheduled; instead administration is left to the caregiver or the patient's prerogative.
Common PRN medications
Most often PRN medications are analgesics such as paracetamol (Tylenol), which is known as acetaminophen in the US, or hydrocodone (Vicodin), laxatives such as coloxyl, sleeping aids (sedatives) such as zolpidem (Ambien) or lorazepam (Ativan), and antiemetics such as ondansetron or dimenhydrinate (Gravol).[citation needed]
It should be noted none of the medications above are considered maintenance. PRN is often added to the presribed directions for medication used to treat symptoms (as above: pain/fever, constipation, insomnia, anxiety, nausea/vomiting), but generally never for a maintenance drug.
PRN does not literally translate to 'as needed' but rather 'if needed'. Doctors will specify the appropriate direction & duration to administer the medication- as needed; meaning, IF needed. Not whenever you want (often a 'confusing' area which the pharmacy must explain to patients taking narcotics).
External links
- Definition of PRN - Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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