In pharmacology, what does "PRN" indicate?

"PRN" stands for "as needed" in pharmacology, indicating that a medication is to be administered only when required, rather than on a fixed schedule. This is commonly used in clinical settings when it is important to provide medication based on the patient's symptoms or condition rather than at regular intervals. For instance, a patient may be prescribed pain medication to take PRN, meaning they should take it only if they experience pain rather than at set times throughout the day.

The other options relate to different approaches to medication administration. Scheduled times refer to medications taken at established intervals, regular maintenance entails ongoing treatment designed to manage a chronic condition, and emergencies suggest actions taken in urgent situations. However, none of these capture the flexibility and situational appropriateness of the PRN dosage instruction. Understanding this term is essential for patient care, as it allows for individualized treatment based on a patient’s current needs.