What is PRN medication?

PRN medication refers to medications that are administered "as needed." This means that rather than being taken at scheduled intervals, the patient receives the medication based on their symptoms or specific conditions at a given moment. For instance, a person may take a pain reliever PRN when they experience pain, rather than on a routine basis.

This flexibility allows for more personalized and responsive care, catering to the patient’s immediate needs rather than imposing a strict regimen. In contrast, medications taken at regular intervals (as described in the first option) are intended to maintain a consistent level in the bloodstream and address ongoing conditions or preventive measures, while medications prescribed only for emergencies (the third option) are not routinely available for use and are typically reserved for critical situations. Strict adherence (the fourth option) pertains to medications that must be taken exactly as prescribed to ensure their effectiveness, which does not align with the concept of PRN usage.