Pro re nata
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222388865
2008-06-29T02:28:48Z
203.248.186.70
/* Common PRN medications */
'''''Pro re nata''''' is a [[Latin]] phrase that literally means "for the thing born". It is commonly used in [[medicine]] to mean "as needed" or "as the situation arises." It is generally used as the [[acronym]] '''PRN''' to refer to dosage of [[Medical prescription|prescribed]] medication that is not scheduled; instead administration is left to the [[caregiver]] or the patient's prerogative.<ref>''Pro re nata'' does not imply that the patient may take the medicine whenever the patient wants, but rather that the medicine may be taken in the prescribed dosage ''if needed''.</ref> PRN administration of medication is not meant to imply and should never allow for exceeding a prescribed daily regimen.
==Common PRN medications==
Most often PRN medications are [[analgesics]] such as [[acetaminophen|paracetamol]] (Tylenol), which is known as acetaminophen in the US, or [[hydrocodone]] (Vicodin), [[laxatives]] such as [[docusate]], sleeping aids ([[sedative]]s) such as [[zolpidem]] (Ambien), antianxiety medicines such as [[lorazepam]] (Ativan), and [[antiemetic]]s such as [[ondansetron]] or [[dimenhydrinate]] (Gravol).{{Fact|date=April 2007}}
It should be noted none of the medications above are considered maintenance. PRN is often added to the prescribed directions for medication used to treat symptoms (as above: pain/fever, constipation, insomnia, anxiety, nausea/vomiting), but generally never for a maintenance drug.
==Notes==
<references/>
==External links==
*[http://www.emedicine.com/asp/dictionary.asp?keyword=PRN Definition of PRN] - Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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[[Category:Latin medical phrases]]