What does "prn" indicate regarding medication intake?

"Prn" is an abbreviation derived from the Latin term "pro re nata," which translates to "as needed." This term is commonly used in medical and nursing contexts to indicate that a medication should be administered when necessary rather than at scheduled intervals. For example, a patient may take a pain reliever prn, which means they should take it only when they experience pain, rather than on a regular schedule.

This concept is important for both patient comfort and effective medication management, allowing for personalized care based on individual needs and symptoms. Understanding the meaning of "prn" helps ensure that medication is used appropriately, reducing the risk of overmedication or under-treatment of symptoms.