Question

What do you write on the prescription when the dosage has to be taken through the oral route?

(a) p.o.

(b) s.c.

(c) p.r.

(d) i.m.

This question was posed to me in semester exam.

The question is from Controlled Release Medication in division Controlled Release Medication of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

The correct choice is (a) p.o.

The explanation is: Whenever a drug has to be injected subcutaneously the doctor will write s.c. whenever the drug has to be taken orally the doctor will write p.o., drugs such as paracetamol, pantoprazole, etc. will be given orally. These drugs will have extra coating so that they do get dissolved by the acidic environment. For intramuscular the doctor will write i.m. for intravenous the doctor will write i.v. for rectal administration, the doctor will write p.r.