Caffeine prescription in Latin

Components of the compound caffeine powder

Translating prescriptions from Russian into Latin begins with analyzing the composition. Let us consider a classic example of a compound divided powder. It includes three active components, each requiring accurate translation and placement in the genitive case (Genitivus) after the physician's standard appeal to the pharmacist — the word "Take" (Recipe).

1. Platyphylline hydrogen tartrate (Platyphyllini hydrotartras) — prescribed in a dosage of 0.003 grams (three milligrams).
2. Sodium bromide (Natrii bromidum) — taken in an amount of 0.15 grams.
3. Caffeine-sodium benzoate (Coffeini-natrii benzoas) — a key component, the dosage of which in this prescription is 0.05 grams.

When completing assignments, students are often asked to select the correct name from several options:

• Caffeine (Coffeini)
• Sodium benzoate (Natrii benzoatis)
• Caffeine-sodium benzoate (Coffeini-natrii benzoatis)
• Caffeine citrate (Coffeini citratis)

For an accurate translation of the initial formula, it is necessary to use the specific complex name — caffeine-sodium benzoate.

Formatting the prescription line and selecting the dosage form

After listing all ingredients and their mass, the physician must indicate the preparation technology to the pharmacist. The Latin formulation used in the compound powder prescription is: "Mix to form a powder" (Misce, fiat pulvis).

At this stage, it is important to be able to distinguish the correct verb and form from other possible options:

• Let a solution be formed (fiat solutio) — used for liquid forms.
• Let an ointment be formed (fiat unguentum) — for soft forms.
• Let an infusion be formed (fiat infusum) — for aqueous extracts.
• Let a powder be formed (fiat pulvis) — the only correct option for dry loose mixtures.

This is followed by the instruction to dispense the medication to the patient: "Let such doses be dispensed in the number of 12" (Dentur tales doses numero 12). The prescription ends with the standard abbreviation D.S., which stands for "Let it be dispensed, labeled" or "Dispense. Label."

Features of translating capsules and suppositories

In addition to powders, other dosage forms requiring specific translation are widely represented in prescription practice.

For example, a divided powder in capsules. In the formula with lincomycin hydrochloride (dosage 0.25 grams), it is required to translate the phrase: "Dispense such doses in the number of 20 in capsules" (Da tales doses numero 20 in capsulis). When translating, it is important to pay close attention to the required number of doses. The options may offer the numbers 10, 12, 20, or 30. According to the initial data, the option with the number 20 is correct.

Another common form is suppositories (suppositories). In the prescription for a suppository with methyluracil (dosage 0.5 grams), the preposition "with" (cum) is used, which requires the instrumental case (Ablativus) to follow it. The instruction to the pharmacist sounds concise: "Dispense such doses in the number of 10. Label."

Translation of multicomponent liquid forms (mixtures)

Liquid dosage forms, such as mixtures, deserve special attention. They contain several active substances and a solvent. Let us consider a typical composition:

• Sodium salicylate — 1.0 gram.
• Potassium iodide — 0.1 gram.
• Alcoholic iodine solution 5% — dosed not in grams, but in drops. The prescription indicates 6 drops. In Latin, this is translated using the accusative plural case (guttas VI).
• Distilled water — acts as a solvent. The prescription indicates "up to 200 ml". The preposition "up to" is translated as ad and requires the accusative case (ad 200 ml).

The mixture prescription ends with the standard triad of verbs: "Mix. Dispense. Label." (Misce. Da. Signa.).

Class and exam questions

What else to study on this topic

• Rules for declining chemical names of salts (hydrogen tartrates, hydrochlorides, salicylates)
• Features of prescribing suppositories with the preposition cum (using suppositories with methyluracil as an example)
• Use of the preposition ad when prescribing solvents (distilled water)
• The difference between the imperative and subjunctive moods in prescription formulations (Misce vs fiat)
• Translation of percentage concentrations of solutions (using a 5% alcoholic iodine solution as an example)

Other topics in the "Additional Topics" section

Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.