Prescription Labeling

Custom Search

Authorized Prescriptions

Hospital Corpsman Revised Edition

Regulations and responsibilities

Prescription Labeling
Proper labeling of a prescription is as important as filling it correctly. It is reasonable to assume that if a great deal of accuracy is necessary to properly compound a prescription, it is just as important that the patient take the correct amount of medication in the right manner to receive its maximum benefits. Improperly written or misunderstood directions on a prescription label can be disastrous. Make sure all labels are typed clearly and their directions translated into simple layman's language. Keep in mind that the prescription label serves two purposes. First and most important, it gives the patient directions pertaining to the medication; second, in case of misuse or error, it is the quickest means by which the contents of the prescription container, the person who wrote the prescription, and the person who filled it can be traced. Consequently, the following information, illustrated in figure 6-5, should always be on the label:

The name and phone number of the dispensing facility

A serialized number that corresponds with the number on the prescription form, (see figure 6-3)
The date the prescription is filled
The patient's name
The directions to the patient, transcribed accurately from the prescription, in clear, concise layman's language
The prescriber's name and rate or rank
The initials of the compounder
Authorized refills, if any
The expiration date, if applicable
Name, strength, and quantity of medication dispensed

NOTE: Pharmaceutical preparations should be identified and labeled with the generic name. However, trade or brand names may be used if the trade or brand name is actually on the container.

Other information that may need to be attached to the prescription container are labels reading "Shake Well Before Using" or "For External Use Only." "Poison" labels should be omitted when a preparation is intended for external use, as many physicians prefer the "For External Use Only" labels.

After the prescription is labeled, check the ingredients again by some systematic method to ensure accuracy.

As an added precaution and to aid expeditious identification of drugs in case of undesirable effects, note the manufacturer and the lot number of the proprietary drug dispensed on the prescription form (fig. 6-3). This procedure, however, does not apply to medications consisting of a mixture of several ingredients. The initials or the code of the person filling the prescription must also be written on the prescription form (fig. 6-3).

FILING PRESCRIPTIONS
Prescriptions that have been filled must be yes"> maintained in one of several separate files:

Schedule II and III narcotics-Prescriptions containing narcotics are numbered consecutively, preceded by the letter "N," and filed separately.

Alcohol-These prescriptions are numbered consecutively, preceded by the letter "A," and filed separately.
Schedule III (nonnarcotic), IV, and V drugs-These prescriptions are part of and are numbered in the same manner as the general files; however, they are maintained separately.

General files-All other prescriptions are numbered consecutively and filed together.

Currently, prescriptions are required to be kept on file for at least 2 years after the date of issue.