In medical settings, PRN usually means "as needed". PRN is usually seen in drug prescriptions for when a patient may begin to have symptoms which may need relieving. For example, medication with a PRN dosage may be given for a patient that is likely to have reoccurring headaches. The doctor will order the patient to take the medication to relive headaches IF they occur.
PRN doesn't mean you can take the medication whenever you want. There are usually factors and limitations listed by the physician to prevent drug overdose. For example, Acetaminophen can be prescribed with a PRN dosage but has limitations of 6-8 hours and never over 3000 mg/day. This limitation prevents liver damage which can be fatal.
No comments:
Post a Comment