Prescribe
Prescribe
Prescribe (/prɪˈskraɪb/), from the Latin praescribere meaning "to write before", is a term used in the field of medicine to denote the act of a healthcare professional recommending a specific treatment, therapy, or medication to a patient.
Etymology
The term "prescribe" originates from the Latin word praescribere, which is a combination of prae (before) and scribere (to write). Thus, it literally means "to write before". This refers to the practice of healthcare professionals writing down a course of treatment or medication before it is given to the patient.
Related Terms
- Prescription: A legal document written by a healthcare professional that instructs a patient on the specific medication or treatment they are to take.
- Over-the-counter (OTC): Refers to medications that can be purchased without a prescription.
- Pharmacist: A healthcare professional who is qualified to dispense prescription medications to patients.
- Therapy: A treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
- Medication: A substance used for medical treatment, especially a medicine or drug.
Usage in Medicine
In medicine, to prescribe means to recommend a specific course of treatment or medication to a patient. This is typically done by a healthcare professional such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. The prescription is usually written on a special form and given to the patient, who then takes it to a pharmacy to have it filled.
Prescriptions can include a wide range of treatments, from pharmaceutical drugs to physical therapies. The specific prescription given will depend on the patient's condition, their overall health, and the healthcare professional's judgement.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Prescribe
- Wikipedia's article - Prescribe
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