Medical Prescription

Origin

The term combines medical, relating to the science or practice of medicine, and prescription, from the Latin praescriptio meaning “a writing before,” referring to the instructions written beforehand for the preparation and use of a remedy. The concept of a formal, written order for medicine has evolved over centuries, becoming highly standardized and legally regulated in modern healthcare systems to control access to potent substances and minimize medication errors.

Mechanism

The prescription functions as a formal authorization mechanism, legally transferring the responsibility for a specific treatment from the prescriber to the pharmacist for dispensing and ultimately to the patient for administration. It activates the pharmaceutical supply chain, allowing the pharmacist to verify the order against the patient’s profile for potential drug interactions or contraindications. Furthermore, the meticulous documentation of the prescription is a vital part of the patient’s official clinical record, providing a clear history of therapeutic interventions for future care.