Why it is worth understanding
A prescription is a set of instructions from your doctor. Mistakes in reading it, such as taking a tablet twice instead of once or stopping too early, are a common cause of treatment failure and side effects. Many people in India rely on the chemist to read the prescription for them. It is better to understand it yourself too, so that you and your family can take medicines safely at home.
The main parts of a prescription
Most prescriptions follow a similar layout. At the top are the doctor's name, qualification, registration number and clinic details. Then come your name, age, sex, date and sometimes weight, which matters especially for children. The doctor usually writes the diagnosis or main complaint, and any tests advised.
- Rx symbol: marks the start of the medicines list
- Medicine name: ideally the generic name, sometimes with a brand
- Strength and form: tablet, capsule, syrup, drops, cream or inhaler
- Directions: how much, how often, before or after food
- Duration: number of days or until review
- Doctor's signature and stamp
Common abbreviations
Doctors often use short Latin or English abbreviations for timing. They are useful but easy to misread, so confirm them if you are unsure. Some doctors instead draw a pattern such as 1-0-1, meaning morning, afternoon and night; ask which number stands for which time.
- OD: once a day
- BD or BID: twice a day
- TDS or TID: three times a day
- QID: four times a day
- HS: at bedtime
- SOS or PRN: only when needed
- AC: before food; PC: after food
- Stat: immediately
Before or after food
Timing with food matters. Some medicines work best on an empty stomach, such as thyroid tablets, while others should be taken with or after meals to reduce stomach upset or improve absorption. 'Before food' usually means some time before a meal, not while eating. If the prescription only says 'after food', ask whether any meal is fine or whether a particular meal is intended.
Some medicines have other special instructions, such as 'do not crush', 'dissolve in water', 'avoid milk' or 'may cause drowsiness'. These notes may be written by the doctor or printed on the pack or pharmacy label. Read them carefully, because ignoring them can make a medicine less effective or cause avoidable side effects.
Questions to ask before you leave
A good consultation leaves you clear about your treatment. It is completely acceptable to ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain again, write in capital letters, or mark the timing in your local language, such as Kannada or Telugu. Bring a family member if that helps. Useful questions include these.
- What is each medicine for?
- How long should I take it, and what if I miss one?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- Can I take it with my other medicines?
- When should I come back or repeat tests?
At the pharmacy
When you collect your medicines, check that the name and strength on each pack match the prescription. If the pharmacist gives a different brand, ask whether it contains the same ingredient and strength. Check expiry dates, and ask for a measuring cup or syringe for liquid medicines rather than using kitchen spoons, which vary in size.
Antibiotics, steroids, sleeping pills and medicines for diabetes, blood pressure and mental health should be taken only as prescribed. Never start or stop them without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. If the pharmacist's instructions seem different from the doctor's, clarify before taking the first dose.
Keeping your prescriptions safe
Keep your prescriptions in a folder or photograph them on your phone. A record helps any new doctor understand what you have taken, avoids repeating medicines that did not suit you, and prevents duplicates. Tell each doctor about allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and kidney or liver disease, so it can be noted.
Do not reuse an old prescription for a new illness or for another family member, because the diagnosis, weight and other medicines may be different. If anything on your prescription is unclear, including handwriting, timing or duration, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking the medicine.
See a doctor urgently if
- Rash, swelling of the face or lips, or breathing difficulty after starting a new medicine
- Severe drowsiness, confusion or fainting after a medicine
- A child who may have been given the wrong medicine or too much
- Vomiting or severe stomach pain after taking medicines
This article is general health information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or combine medicines on your own — always follow your doctor's prescription and ask your pharmacist if unsure.