Legal foundations and nomenclature
A prescription is not just a medical recommendation, but an important official document. The procedure for issuing it is strictly regulated by normative acts, in particular, by the Order of the Russian Ministry of Health (No. 328 dated August 23, 1999). Special attention and strict control are applied when prescribing certain categories of drugs: narcotic drugs, potent analgesics, sleeping pills, and medications for cancer patients.
The state drug provision program relies on a basic document — the List (Directory) of Medicinal Products. It allows doctors to provide preferential categories of citizens with necessary therapy as part of social assistance.
In medical practice and documentation, two types of drug names are used in parallel. The first type is trade names, which are given by the manufacturer. The second type is International Nonproprietary Names (INNs), which correspond to the active chemical substance. Both options are used in prescriptions in Latin and Russian.
Matching examples:
- The trade name Cardiket (Kardiketum) corresponds to the INN Isosorbide dinitrate (Isosorbidi dinitras).
- The trade name Zocor (Zocorum) corresponds to the INN Simvastatin (Simvastatinum).
- The drug Enam (Enamum) corresponds to the INN Enalapril (Enalaprilum).
Structure of the prescription form
A correctly executed document features nine mandatory structural elements. Most of them have strict Latin names.
- Inscriptio (Heading) — the stamp of the healthcare facility indicating its official code.
- Datum (Date) — the date of issuance.
- Nomen aegrōti (Patient's name) — the patient's surname and initials.
- Aetas aegrōti (Patient's age) — the number of full years.
- Nomen medici (Physician's name) — the surname and initials of the attending specialist.
Next come the specific parts, which are studied in detail in the Latin language course:
- Praescriptio (Prescription body) — contains Invocatio (standard address to the pharmacist using the word Recipe — Take, abbreviated as Rp.:) and Designatio materiarum (enumeration of the prescribed substances indicating their quantities).
- Subscriptio (Subscription, lit. "written below") — instructions to the pharmacist on what dosage form to prepare, how many doses to dispense, and in what packaging to place the drug.
- Signatura (Signature) — instructions for the patient. It begins with the Latin verb Signa or Signētur (Label / To be labeled!), followed by the text of the instruction.
- Nomen et sigillum personale medici — the specialist's personal signature, sealed with their personal stamp.
Additionally, the form (e.g., form No. 107/u) bears the triangular stamp of the institution "For prescriptions" and indicates the validity period: 10 days, 2 months, or 1 year (unnecessary is crossed out).
Language rules and abbreviations
A strict separation of languages applies to the execution of prescription forms.
Latin is used for all medical and pharmaceutical information. The name of the drug or the composition of a multi-ingredient medicine is written in Latin, the required dosage form is indicated, and all addresses to the pharmacist (concerning compounding and dispensing) are formulated.
Russian (or the national language) is used exclusively in the signature — the part that contains the method of administration. This information is intended directly for the patient, so it must be as clear as possible.
Abbreviations are allowed in prescription texts to save time. However, only generally accepted abbreviations that exclude any ambiguity in composition or dosage are permitted.
If a patient requires emergency receipt of medication, the physician makes a special note on the prescription: Cito ("urgently") or Statim ("immediately"). Such a mark is always placed at the upper part of the prescription form.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
What specific generally accepted Latin abbreviations are allowed to be used in prescription formulas?
Standard, officially approved abbreviations that exclude the possibility of double interpretation are permitted in prescription formulas. These include names of dosage forms, plant parts, and standard formulations (e.g., sol., fol., rad., flor., D.S., M.f.).
Specific examples of pharmaceutical abbreviations:
- Vaginal suppository (supp. vagin.) — suppositorium vaginale
- Suspension (susp.) — suspensio
- Tablet (tab.) — tabuletta
- Tincture (t-ra, tinct.) — tinctura
- Ointment (ung.) — unguentum
- Bottle (vitr.) — vitrum
What approved prescription form types exist besides the mentioned No. 107/u?
In addition to form No. 107/u, the following approved prescription forms are established by the Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 1094n:
- Main prescription form (Form 107-1/u) — used as the baseline form.
- Preferential prescription (Form 148-1/u-88) — used for preferential dispensing of drugs.
- Form for specific categories of citizens (Form 148-1/u-04(l)) — intended for specific patient groups.
- Special form (Form 107/u-NP) — used for narcotic and psychotropic substances.
Prescriptions can be issued on paper or as an electronic document with an enhanced qualified electronic signature.
On what special prescription form are narcotic drugs prescribed?
Narcotic and psychotropic substances are prescribed on a special prescription form Form 107/u-NP. This form, as well as the procedure for its production, distribution, registration, accounting, and storage, is strictly regulated by separate regulatory documents. A prescription for such drugs can be issued either on paper or as an electronic document, which must be certified by an enhanced qualified electronic signature.
The structure of a medical prescription (Praescriptio) is logical: first we address (Invocatio — Recipe, "Take"), and then we list what exactly needs to be taken (Designatio materiarum).
Class and exam questions
What is the difference between trade names and INN?
INN (International Nonproprietary Names) reflect the active substance of the drug, while trade names are brand names given by the manufacturer.
What to do if a patient needs emergency medication access?
In such cases, the doctor makes a Cito (urgently) or Statim (immediately) mark at the top of the form.
What else to study on this topic
- International Nonproprietary Names (INNs)
- Trade names of medicines
- Generally accepted prescription abbreviations in Latin
- Rules for drafting Subscriptio and Signatura
- List (Directory) of Medicinal Products of the Russian Federation
Master the entire topic in the "Latin Language" course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on "Prescriptions" and 2,323 more subject pages
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 107 video lessons on the subject
Other topics in the section "Accusativus and Ablativus. Prepositions. Prescription. Prescription Line"
Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.