Prescriptions
8 minute read
What you will learn
- Define a prescription
- Name and explain the parts of a prescription
- List the qualities of an ideal prescription
- Describe the main types of prescription
- State what to do when a prescription is unclear or doubtful
Key points
- A prescription is a written order from an authorised prescriber to a pharmacist to supply a medicine to a named patient.
- The parts are: prescriber details, patient details, date, superscription (Rx), inscription, subscription, signa and the prescriber's signature.
- An ideal prescription is legible, complete, clear, dated and signed.
- Main types are outpatient, hospital (in-patient), repeat, controlled drug and emergency or verbal prescriptions.
- Never guess. If a prescription is unclear or looks wrong, refer it to the pharmacist.
What is a prescription?
A prescription is a written order from an authorised prescriber (such as a doctor or dentist) to a pharmacist, asking for a medicine to be supplied to a named patient. It is also a legal document. It must be kept and treated carefully.
The pharmacy technician's job is to understand it correctly. The pharmacist is responsible for checking it.
Parts of a prescription
| Part | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Prescriber details | Name, qualification, address and contact of the doctor or clinic |
| Patient details | Name, age, sex, address, and weight for children |
| Date | When the prescription was written |
| Superscription | The symbol Rx, from the Latin recipe, meaning "take" |
| Inscription | The main part: the name and strength of the drug, the dosage form and the quantity |
| Subscription | Instructions to the dispenser, for example how to prepare or how much to supply |
| Signa | Directions for the patient, which are copied onto the label. Often written "Sig." or "S." |
| Signature | The prescriber's signature, and a stamp where used |
A sample prescription
City Medical Centre
Dr A. Okafor, MBBS
Date: 12/03/2026
Patient: Mr Emeka Obi Age: 34 Sex: M
Rx
Capsule Amoxicillin 500 mg
Sig: ONE capsule three times a day for 5 days
Dispense: 15 capsules
Signed: ______________
In this sample, Rx is the superscription, the drug name and strength are the inscription, "Dispense: 15 capsules" is the subscription, and the Sig line is the signa.
Qualities of an ideal prescription
An ideal prescription is:
- legible: written clearly, in ink, so no letter can be misread;
- complete: it has the patient's details, the date, the drug name, strength, dosage form, quantity and directions;
- clear: the directions are simple and have only one meaning;
- signed by the prescriber, with details that allow the prescriber to be contacted;
- dated, because many prescriptions are valid only for a limited time;
- written with the generic name of the drug where possible, which reduces confusion between brands;
- free from doubtful abbreviations.
Types of prescription
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Outpatient (private) | Written on a prescription form or pad and taken by the patient to a pharmacy |
| Hospital (in-patient) | Written on the patient's chart or a ward order form. The pharmacy supplies the ward |
| Repeat | Can be supplied more than once, as the prescriber allows. Used for long-term conditions |
| Controlled drug | For drugs with a risk of abuse or dependence. Has stricter requirements and each supply is entered in a controlled drugs register |
| Emergency or verbal | Given by phone or in person when written is not possible. The pharmacist decides whether to accept it and follows pharmacy policy to get written confirmation |
Some hospitals use computer-printed or electronic prescriptions. They must contain the same information.
When something is wrong
Do not guess and do not change a prescription yourself. Refer the prescription to the pharmacist if:
- the handwriting cannot be read with certainty;
- the dose looks too high or too low;
- the patient's details, date or signature are missing;
- the drug or strength does not exist as written;
- the prescription looks altered or suspicious.
The pharmacist can contact the prescriber to confirm or correct it.
Exam focus
- The parts of a prescription are commonly tested. Learn the order: superscription, inscription, subscription, signa.
- 'Rx' comes from the Latin word for 'take'.
- Know the qualities of an ideal prescription, since a question may ask which item is NOT one of them.
- Common mistake: dispensing from an unclear prescription without checking.
Quick check
Test yourself before you move on. Pick an answer to see the explanation.
1.The symbol 'Rx' at the start of a prescription means:
2.Which part of a prescription gives directions to the patient?
3.What should you do if a prescription cannot be read?
4.A prescription says: Capsule Amoxicillin 500 mg, one capsule three times daily for 5 days. How many capsules are needed?
5.Which type of prescription must be entered in a special register?