Rational approach to prescription writing: A preview

Prescription writing has to be properly addressed with regard to its correctness and appropriateness. Any errors in the procedure have to be eliminated. Electronic prescribing has abolished most of typographical prescription errors but the rationality involved in prescription of drugs is more of a thought process, which is still not optimum. Irrationality in prescriptions leads to medication errors causing increased morbidity or hospitalization and an economic loss. The rational use of medicines should be practiced which begins with defining the therapeutic objective, choosing the right medicine which is specific to the patient's needs, followed by monitoring of response to therapy. Compliance and outcome of therapy is totally dependent upon the doctor-patient relationship, a proper information and communication with the patient, and the physician's commitment and empathy towards the patient.