Module 4: Therapeutics

Lesson 3

Learning outcome

Write a prescription that contains the necessary elements for safety and appropriateness.

Introduction

The elements of prescriptions for both in-patient and outpatient settings are outlined in this lesson. The importance of a collaborative partnership with the pharmacists who fill the prescriptions is also discussed.

Writing a prescription

Prescriptions for CDS must be written or faxed and cannot be verbal.

Best-practice guidelines recommend faxing or electronically transferring a prescription at the time of writing. Partial fills of prescriptions that are already active are not permitted to be transferred between pharmacies.

There are some exceptions in some jurisdictions. For example, Tylenol #2 & #3 (acetaminophen, caffeine, and codeine) are opioid-containing preparations that can be prescribed by verbal order in Ontario.