Understanding Prescription and Medication Administration

The Prescription Process

Issuance of Prescription: A formal document signed and dated by the prescriber.

• Prescription is issued by the prescriber and passed to the individual, care home, or pharmacy.
• In some cases, prescriptions can be faxed from the prescriber to the pharmacy for home delivery, excluding controlled drugs.
• Controlled drugs require an original, ink-signed prescription for dispensing.

Role and Responsibility in Medication Administration

Understanding Medication: It's crucial to comprehend the purpose and potential side effects of administered medication.

• Health and social care professionals administer prescribed medications without determining prescriptions.
• Knowledge of medication specifics, including uses, side effects, and interactions, is essential.
• Prescriptions consider client factors like age, weight, and existing medications.
• Adjustments in dosage are common to achieve optimal therapeutic effects.

Resources for Medication Information

Utilising Resources: Accessing information sources such as the BNF (British National Formulary) or consulting pharmacists for guidance.

• BNF provides comprehensive details on medications, indications, contraindications, and side effects.
• Consult pharmacists for advice on medication administration and management.

Considerations in Medicating Elderly Clients

Special Considerations: Recognising unique factors affecting medication in elderly clients.

• Reduced efficiency of liver and kidney function affects medication metabolism and excretion.
• Increased sensitivity to medication side effects in elderly clients.
• Doctors adjust prescriptions accordingly to minimise risks and maximise benefits.

Polypharmacy and its Implications

Understanding Polypharmacy: Managing multiple medications and their interactions.

• Doctors consider potential side effects and drug interactions when prescribing multiple medications.
• Staff awareness of prescribed medications, especially those with known side effects, is crucial.
• Ensure homely remedies do not interact adversely with prescribed medications.
• Consult colleagues, managers, pharmacists, or GPs if there are concerns about medication interactions.