Understanding your prescription

The anatomy of a prescription line

Each prescribed medicine usually fits on one line that answers four questions: what, how much, when, and for how long. Spotting them turns an unreadable prescription into a clear plan.

• The medicine name — often the generic (active ingredient) name, sometimes a brand.
• The strength — e.g. "500 mg": the amount of active ingredient per tablet.
• The dosing — how many units and at what times (e.g. "1 tablet morning and evening").
• The duration — for how many days, or a total quantity to cover a period.

Generic vs brand: why two names?

The generic name is the scientific name of the molecule, the same worldwide — for example "acetaminophen" (paracetamol). The brand name is a commercial product containing that molecule.

When the pharmacist offers a generic, it is the same active ingredient at the same dose as the brand, but cheaper. Unless your doctor wrote that it must not be substituted, you can accept it with confidence: the effect is identical.

Decoding the abbreviations

Prescribers use shorthand inherited from Latin. Here are the most common ones you may see.

• OD / BD / TDS / QDS: once, twice, three or four times a day.
• PRN: "as needed" — take only when the symptom is present, not routinely.
• PO: by mouth; AC: before meals; PC: after meals; nocte: at night; mane: in the morning.
• "Repeat x times" / refills: you can collect the medicine again without a new appointment.
• A total quantity may be given to cover a set period (e.g. one month).

Validity and refills

Rules vary by country, but a prescription is typically valid for a limited window from its date. For a long-term treatment, the prescriber sets a number of refills so you can collect the medicine several times from the same prescription, up to a maximum period.

Some medicines (sleeping pills, opioids) follow stricter rules, with a maximum duration and sometimes a secure prescription. Your pharmacist will flag these.

Questions to ask before leaving the pharmacy

The pharmacist is a medication expert — this is the moment to clear up any doubt.

• Exactly when should I take each medicine, and should I eat first?
• Can I drive, or does this cause drowsiness?
• Is there any interaction with my other medicines or supplements?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Which side effects are normal, and which mean I should seek care?

Keep a clear record

Photographing your prescriptions and listing your current treatments prevents duplicates and makes every new appointment easier. Parato lets you keep your medicines in one place, prepare your questions for the doctor or pharmacist, and keep your history at hand — without ever replacing a health professional's advice.