A pro re nata (PRN, as needed) prescription allows for therapy of an intermittent problem.
Advantages:
(1) convenient since it does not need a separate order
(2) economic since the patient only received it when necessary
(3) suitable for problems that may arise intermittently
Some conditions where a prn prescription may be appropriate:
(1) constipation
(2) insomnia
(3) pain
Potential problems:
(1) it may be inappropriate if a condition occurs frequently
(2) it may be used in psychiatric patients to subdue (pharmacologically restrain)
(3) adverse side effects may be hard to associate with a drug
(4) administration records are more likely to be incomplete
A prn prescription may not be monitored closely. While not usually high risk there should be a monitor on the types of drugs and the frequency of use to make sure that it is appropriate.
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