Dispensing

Dispensing refers to the process of preparing and giving out medicine to a named person on the basis of a prescription. It involves the correct interpretation of the wishes of the physician and the accurate preparation and delivery of medicines to the patient.

Process of Dispensing

The process of dispensing involves several steps:

1. Receiving the prescription: The first step in the dispensing process is receiving the prescription from the patient or their representative. The prescription should be clear and legible, and it should contain all the necessary information, such as the name of the patient, the name and strength of the medicine, the dosage form, the route of administration, and the frequency of administration.

1. Interpreting the prescription: The next step is interpreting the prescription. This involves understanding the instructions given by the physician and ensuring that the prescription is appropriate for the patient. This may involve checking the patient's medical history, allergies, and other medications.

1. Preparing the medicine: Once the prescription has been interpreted, the next step is to prepare the medicine. This involves selecting the correct medicine and dosage form, measuring the correct quantity, and packaging the medicine.

1. Labeling the medicine: The final step in the dispensing process is labeling the medicine. The label should include the name of the patient, the name and strength of the medicine, the dosage instructions, the date of dispensing, and the name and address of the pharmacy.

Role of the Pharmacist

The role of the pharmacist in the dispensing process is crucial. The pharmacist is responsible for ensuring that the medicine is appropriate for the patient, that the patient understands how to take the medicine, and that the medicine is dispensed correctly. The pharmacist also has a responsibility to counsel the patient on the use of the medicine, including potential side effects and interactions with other medicines.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

There are several legal and ethical considerations in the dispensing process. These include the need to maintain patient confidentiality, the need to ensure that the medicine is dispensed in accordance with the prescription, and the need to ensure that the patient is informed about the use of the medicine.

See Also

• Pharmacy
• Prescription
• Medicine
• Pharmacist

Dispensing Resources
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