e. Fill the Prescription.
(1) Select the appropriate drug formulation (drug, strength, and dosage
form). You must be able to locate the drug on the shelf by the interchangeable use of
trade and generic names.
(2) Check visual identification. Check visual identification of the drug
against the prescription label. You should be familiar with the various generic and trade
name drugs stocked in the pharmacy so you can name a drug by looking at it. Be
careful not to confuse drugs with look-alike drugs (that is, Quaalude and Doriden).
(3) Count/pour medications. The amounts counted or poured must be
correct and should be checked by a competent and responsible second source (e.g.,
pharmacist). The preferred method of counting is by fives. When pouring from a bottle,
the labeled side should be facing up. Of course, damaged or deteriorated items should
not be used to fill a prescription.
(4) Select the container. The medication should be packaged in either a
glass or a plastic container with a child-resistant top (See paragraph 2-14b, page 2-9) -
unless the drug is nitroglycerin or the patient requests otherwise. Furthermore, the
medication should be dispensed in a container that will not affect its integrity. That is,
items destroyed by light should be dispensed in amber-colored containers. Each item
should be packaged in the most compact container possible.
NOTE:
Nitroglycerin tablets must be dispensed in their original containers.
(5) Package the drug in the dispensing container. The package should
contain the prescribed amount of medication and it should be pharmaceutically elegant.
(6) Enter the date filled and initial the prescription. Each prescription should
be checked by a competent and a responsible second source. The name and lot
number of the drug product along with the name of its manufacturer and expiration date
might also be added to prescription form. This information is not required on the form if
a sound recall policy is in effect in the pharmacy.
(7) Record prescriptions. Record prescriptions for controlled substances on
DD Form 3862 (Control Substances Stock Record). A separate record must be
maintained for each controlled substance.
f. Label the Prescription.
(1) Type the prescription label. Type a label without errors. The language
on the prescription label should be simple and easy for the patient to understand.
MD0810
4-6