Safe Dispensing Of Medicines

In dispensing a prescription, a pharmacist has to exercise an independent judgement to ensure the medicine is safe and appropriate for the patient, as well as that it conforms to the prescriber’s requirements. If there is any doubt, the prescriber is to be contacted.

 

Dispensing of medicine can happen on 3 occasions 

1. Dispensing against the prescription from OPD
2. Dispensing indented medicines from IPD
3. Dispensing against the transcription from IPD

 

Dispensing process:

Medicines are dispensed against valid prescription/transcription/indent only.

 

Regular dispensing:

• The pharmacist receives the prescription/ indent/transcription
• The pharmacist prepares bill and gives the original copy to other pharmacist along with the prescription who collects the medicines and bring it to the dispensing section
• Duplicate copy of the sale bill in retained in the pharmacy
• The pharmacist matches the medicine with bill including the batch no., expiry date and quantity
• The pharmacist then dispenses the medicine in the respective covers
• The dispensed medicines are packed in a Polly bag
• The pharmacist then signs the bill & puts a seal for ‘DISPENSED’ on the bill.
• The bill is attached with prescription/ indent and kept with dispensed medicines.
• The dispensed medicines are then handed over to respective carrier (attendant / relative)
• The record of the dispensed medicine is automatically recorded in the software

 

Cut strips dispensing:

• As a policy, “Cut Strips dispensing” is not encouraged, but in case the medicine is to be dispensed in this way, the following details are noted on the paper bag and dispensed:
  • Drug Name,
  • Dose Strength &
  • Expiry Date
  • Batch No is given in the bill

All these details are explained to the patient while dispensing.

 

Dispensing High risk medicines

All high risk medicines shall be cross checked by 2 pharmacist before dispensing the same. Double verification shall be documented by putting signature of the 2 pharmacists in the prescription form. At IPD level, before administration of high risk medicines, they are verified by staff administrating it and cross verified by another nurse.

 

Information While Dispensing: Patient Rights and Education

• The hospital identifies the importance of educating patients and family members about safe medication and food drug interaction for facilitating quick recovery of the patient.
• The pharmacist educated the patient / Family on the following information:
• Timing of the drug to be taken (Keeping Food- Drug Interaction in mind)
• Frequency,
• Any Drug – Drug Interaction that the patient has to keep in mind from the Prescription. (especially Antibiotics, Pain management Drugs etc)
• Cut Strip Details (if applicable)
• Dosage, the time interval at which the medicine is to be taken.
• Special precautions in terms of food like whether the medicine is to be taken on an empty stomach or any diet restrictions Etc.