How can medications be ordered?

Medications can be ordered as routine, which typically means they are taken daily at set times, or PRN, which stands for "pro re nata" in Latin, meaning "as needed." This approach allows healthcare providers to tailor medication administration based on the patient's ongoing needs or specific symptoms. For instance, a patient may have a medication they take every day for chronic conditions, while they might also have another medication available to them for occasional use, such as pain relief or anxiety support.

The distinction between routine and PRN orders is essential in medical practice, as it helps ensure patients receive the necessary treatment while minimizing risks associated with overmedication or underutilization. This ordering method promotes an optimized approach to managing conditions effectively and safely based on individual patient circumstances.