What does it indicate when a drug is administered PRN?

When a drug is administered PRN, it indicates that it can be taken at a patient's discretion. The term "PRN" is derived from the Latin phrase "pro re nata," which translates to "as needed." This means that the medication is not required to be taken at scheduled times but rather when the patient feels it is necessary or required for symptom relief.

This flexibility allows patients to respond to their own symptoms and manage their condition effectively without the constraints of a strict dosing schedule. For instance, a pain reliever prescribed PRN can be taken when pain occurs, allowing for individualized management of discomfort based on the patient's experience.

In contrast, medications that are required to be taken on a specific schedule, or only in emergencies, have different administration instructions, and these are not applicable to the PRN designation.