Melatonin

[laura/nottingham]

Hi

I once recieved a prescription from a hospital prescriber. The prescription read

Melatonin Capsules 3mg (three) to be taken at night for 30 days

Okay...... So I knew Melatonin comes in 3mg strength, and I dispensed 90, 3 at night for 30 days.

To discover, that the prescription was actually only meant for 30, one to be taken at night for 30 days.

Was a bit confusing, but how many other people would have dispensed 90, 3 at night?

Thanks

[Mrs. Robinson]

Do you ask for GP authorisation when receive a Rx for Melatonin?

[laura/nottingham]

No, why?

[laura/nottingham]

Do you ask for GP authorisation when receive a Rx for Melatonin?

Are you meant to???

[Mrs. Robinson]

When for the first time prescribed for a customer.

[laura/nottingham]

But why?? I understand it is unlicensed, we have 3-4 patients on it tbh.

However, would you see that the prescription said 3 at night or meant 1???

[Mrs. Robinson]

Could be every one of us (however 9mg is unusual)


btw,
TBH stands for: Total Body Hug

[laura/nottingham]

Sorry, I'm confused! lol

[Web Ferret]

If I saw that from your average GP I would read 3 nocte = (90)
But in hospitals they have a slightly different way of writing so 3mg nocte is 3mg at night, 30 supplied.

Something to do with not all strengths are kept in stock I believe. They just write the end dose and let the pharmacists dispense one, two or three tablets to make up that end dose

Confusing I agree and one of the things you learn by experience.

[laura/nottingham]

Well, experience is nothing tbh. I have been in pharmacy since October. So I'm gonna have to get some tips. lol