Pro re nata
Encyclopedia
Pro re nata is a Latin
phrase meaning "in the circumstances" or "as the circumstance arises". It is commonly used in medicine
to mean "as needed" or "as the situation arises." It is generally abbreviated to p.r.n. in reference to dosage of prescribed
medication that is not scheduled; instead administration is left to the nurse/caregiver
or the patient's prerogative. p.r.n. administration of medication is not meant to imply and should never allow for exceeding a prescribed daily regimen.
The term "p.r.n. adaptor" may also be used to refer to the Luer lock adapter placed on a catheter (cannula) to allow administration of injections. Other terms for this medical device are "injection port
" and "saline lock."
, also known as acetaminophen, hydrocodone
(Vicodin), laxatives such as docusate, antianxiety medicines such as lorazepam
(Ativan), hypnotics such as eszopiclone
(Lunesta) and antiemetic
s such as ondansetron
or dimenhydrinate
(Gravol).
None of the medications above are considered maintenance. p.r.n. 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 as a maintenance drug.
Pro re nata is often used for blood tests. A physician will write the order for blood work with p.r.n. added to it. The patient may then use that order when needed.
The initials p.r.n. also refer to casual employment, or "as needed". The usage of the initials started in the medical profession and were soon used in other industries.
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
phrase meaning "in the circumstances" or "as the circumstance arises". It is commonly used in medicine
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
to mean "as needed" or "as the situation arises." It is generally abbreviated to p.r.n. in reference to dosage of prescribed
Medical prescription
A prescription is a health-care program implemented by a physician or other medical practitioner in the form of instructions that govern the plan of care for an individual patient. Prescriptions may include orders to be performed by a patient, caretaker, nurse, pharmacist or other therapist....
medication that is not scheduled; instead administration is left to the nurse/caregiver
Caregiver
Caregiver may refer to:* Caregiver or carer - an unpaid person who cares for someone requiring support due to a disability, frailty, mental health problem, learning disability or old age...
or the patient's prerogative. p.r.n. administration of medication is not meant to imply and should never allow for exceeding a prescribed daily regimen.
The term "p.r.n. adaptor" may also be used to refer to the Luer lock adapter placed on a catheter (cannula) to allow administration of injections. Other terms for this medical device are "injection port
Injection port
An injection port is a medical device used for the administration of insulin or other physician approved medicine into the subcutaneous tissue...
" and "saline lock."
Common PRN medications
Most often PRN medications are analgesics such as paracetamolParacetamol
Paracetamol INN , or acetaminophen USAN , is a widely used over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic . It is commonly used for the relief of headaches and other minor aches and pains and is a major ingredient in numerous cold and flu remedies...
, also known as acetaminophen, hydrocodone
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone or dihydrocodeinone is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from either of two naturally occurring opiates: codeine and thebaine. It is an orally active narcotic analgesic and antitussive...
(Vicodin), laxatives such as docusate, antianxiety medicines such as lorazepam
Lorazepam
Lorazepam is a high-potency short-to-intermediate-acting 3-hydroxy benzodiazepine drug that has all five intrinsic benzodiazepine effects: anxiolytic, amnesic, sedative/hypnotic, anticonvulsant, antiemetic and muscle relaxant...
(Ativan), hypnotics such as eszopiclone
Eszopiclone
Eszopiclone, marketed by Sepracor under the brand-name Lunesta, is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic used as a treatment for insomnia. Eszopiclone is the active dextrorotatory stereoisomer of zopiclone, and belongs to the class of drugs known as cyclopyrrolones.Eszopiclone is a short acting...
(Lunesta) and antiemetic
Antiemetic
An antiemetic is a drug that is effective against vomiting and nausea. Antiemetics are typically used to treat motion sickness and the side effects of opioid analgesics, general anaesthetics, and chemotherapy directed against cancer....
s such as ondansetron
Ondansetron
Ondansetron is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist used mainly as an antiemetic , often following chemotherapy. Its effects are thought to be on both peripheral and central nerves...
or dimenhydrinate
Dimenhydrinate
Dimenhydrinate is an over-the-counter drug used to prevent nausea and motion sickness...
(Gravol).
None of the medications above are considered maintenance. p.r.n. 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 as a maintenance drug.
Pro re nata is often used for blood tests. A physician will write the order for blood work with p.r.n. added to it. The patient may then use that order when needed.
The initials p.r.n. also refer to casual employment, or "as needed". The usage of the initials started in the medical profession and were soon used in other industries.