PRN is a medical term that comes from the Latin phrase “pro re nata,” meaning “as needed.”
Such medications are meant to be taken on an as-needed basis, to address acute conditions like pain or nausea, or to aid in managing ongoing ailments, such as allergies and asthma.
It is critical that the instructions provided by the doctor when prescribing a PRN medication are followed properly, including how often it should be taken and how much should be ingested each time.
PRN medications can be an effective solution for various medical issues.
Nevertheless, they should only be taken, when necessary, as overutilizing them can lead to side effects and even overdose.
What Does PRN Mean in Medical Terms
If you’ve ever come across “PRN” in the medical world but didn’t know what it meant, you’re not the only one.
This abbreviation stands for “as needed,” and is commonly used when referring to medication.
However, it can also be applicable to other treatments and therapies.
PRN orders are typically given for medications taken on an as-needed basis, like pain relievers or asthma rescue inhalers.
The individual’s needs will determine the frequency and dosage of these PRN medicines.
For instance, someone with a chronic condition would take it every few hours, while a person with milder symptoms may only need to take it one or two times in the day.
Non-medication treatments such as physical and occupational therapy can also be issued in the form of PRN orders, with the frequency determined by the person’s needs.
For instance, a person recovering from a stroke may require daily PT sessions, while those with less severe conditions could get by with fewer appointments.
From now on, when you encounter “PRN” on a medication or treatment order, you’ll understand that it refers to taking the drug or therapy as necessary.
Meaning of ‘Prn’ in Medical Terms
“Prn” is a term often encountered in medical settings and can be interpreted differently depending on the context.
Generally, it stands for “as needed,” suggesting that medication or procedures should only be given, when necessary, rather than at regular intervals.
For example, a patient may be advised to take a pain medication “prn” to manage their pain and a nebulizer “prn” to manage their asthma.
In the former instance, this would constitute taking the medicine only when they are in discomfort, instead of always following a strict schedule.
As for the latter, it should be used when experiencing asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath or wheezing.
In certain scenarios, “prn” can also imply an exact time frame. For instance, if a patient is told to take their medication “every 4 hours prn”.
They should adhere to the 4-hour schedule but only if necessary (instead of regardless of their requirement).
Pronounced “prən”, this acronym stands for “pro re nata” and implies that an action should only occur on an as-needed basis, rather than according to a fixed timetable.
What is the mechanism behind taking PRN medications?
PRN medication is administered whenever a patient needs it for symptom relief. The frequency will vary, compared to other medicines which are typically taken at fixed intervals.
The method of delivery can depend on the particular drug; common examples include:
- Antihistamines for allergies
- Pain relievers for pain or headaches
- Anti-nausea medication for nausea or vomiting
- Laxatives for constipation
- Inhalers for asthma or shortness of breath
PRN medications are intended to alleviate symptoms when they arise. For instance, an antihistamine could be taken when having an allergy episode to reduce its severity.
Likewise, for a headache, taking a painkiller as necessary can provide relief. Such medications can prove beneficial in managing episodes that are unpredictable or come and go.
When are PRN medications used?
PRN medications can be used in many different situations. Common examples are:
- When a patient is in discomfort and requires medication to alleviate it,
- When a patient is experiencing nausea or vomiting and needs medication to help stop it
- A patient who has trouble getting to sleep can be prescribed medication to assist them in dozing off.
- When a patient is agitated or anxious and needs medication to help calm them down
PRN medications can be beneficial in certain cases, but it is essential to note that they should only be taken when necessary and not on a regular basis.
If you find yourself using PRN drugs often, please discuss with your doctor about potential alternative treatments that may suit your needs.
How to take PRN medications safely?
PRN medications are those taken at the discretion of a healthcare provider, rather than following a set schedule.
When taking them, it is imperative to adhere to the directions issued by your doctor. The following are several guidelines for using PRN medications safely:
- Comply with the instructions given by your doctor when it comes to taking your medication. Don’t adjust the amount consumed without consulting a medical professional first.
- Ensure that you adhere to a consistent schedule when taking your medication, if possible. This will guarantee an even distribution of the medication in your body.
- If you forget to take your medication, don’t take an extra dose. Just take the next dose as usual at the appointed time.
- It is important to store PRN medications in a secure location, inaccessible to children and pets.
- Once PRN medications are no longer required, it is essential to discard them properly.
- Speak to your healthcare provider if you have any queries or worries regarding taking PRN medications.
Keep an eye on your symptoms and tell your healthcare provider if they worsen or cause any bad effects.
Special Considerations for ‘Prn’ Prescriptions
When prescribing medication on an “as needed” basis, it is essential to ensure that the patient is aware of what it is for and understands proper administration.
Additionally, they should be informed of how often it can be taken and the highest dosage allowed.
It is important to keep an eye on the patient for any undesired outcomes of taking the medication.
This should be done frequently if multiple medications are prescribed for situational purposes.
It should be noted that these sorts of meds cannot replace regularly scheduled check-ups.
Finally, the patient should be briefed on possible drug interactions or side effects of the prescription in question when taken “as needed.”
Furthermore, their current medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter) must be reviewed for safe administration.
How to Administer a ‘Prn’ Medication
Various methods can be used to dispense a ‘prn’ medication depending on the drug and the individual’s requirements.
Typically, it is not necessary to follow a fixed schedule as these medications are taken upon necessity.
An example may be that for a patient with anxiety, a medication can be prescribed ‘prn’, only to be used when particularly feeling anxious or stressed.
Similarly, pain relief medications can just be taken when experiencing pain.
It is essential to adhere to the prescribing doctor’s instructions when taking ‘prn’ medications.
Usually, the physician will provide detailed instructions for how frequently it should be taken, what dosage to take, etc.
Adhering to these instructions is paramount in order to avoid any unwanted consequences.
Prior to administering a ‘prn’ medication, the nurse should assess the patient to decide if it is an appropriate treatment.
This involves examining vitals, considering present indicators, and determining if there are any allergies or contraindications that may be impacted by taking the medication.
If all goes well, then the medication can be given accordingly.
The nurse should record any observations and report when the medication is administered.
This allows for proper monitoring of the frequency of doses and evaluation of the patient’s response to treatment. Any ill reactions or side effects must also be noted for later reference.
Conclusion
It can be incredibly useful to be aware of the meaning of prn in the medical field, as it can provide a more comprehensive overview when addressing certain treatments.
It is often applied for medication-related commands, yet this acronym has diverse applications within the healthcare sector and must always be understood before commencing with any course of treatment.
We hope this article has been advantageous for you to grasp the definition of “prn” and its association with medical attention.
FAQs
1. What does the acronym “prn” signify in medical terminology?
“Prn” stands for “as needed.” It’s commonly used when referring to medications or treatments that can be given depending on the circumstances.
For instance, a doctor can prescribe pain medication to be taken only when necessary for relief.
2. How is “prn” used in medicine?
“Prn” is often used to describe medications that are taken not according to a predetermined schedule but rather on an as-needed basis.
An example of this would be a pain medication prescribed to provide relief when necessitated.
3. What are some examples of medications that can be taken “prn”?
There are several kinds of drugs that can be taken as needed, such as painkillers, anti-anxiety medicine, and more.
4. What is the difference between “as needed” and “prescription only”?
“As needed” medications can be used without a physician’s approval, whereas “prescription only” medications require a doctor’s authorization.
5. Can I take medications “as needed” or do they need to be taken according to instructions?
It is imperative to adhere to the directions for any prescription given by your doctor.
Without consulting a doctor, taking medications “as needed” alone is hazardous and could result in serious medical issues.