PRN medication
Also written as: PRN — pro re nata
Medication administered 'as needed' based on clinical circumstances rather than on a fixed schedule.
Full Definition
PRN (pro re nata) medication refers to drugs that are prescribed to be taken 'as needed' rather than on a regular, predetermined schedule. In psychiatric research and clinical practice, PRN medications are often used for managing acute symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, or insomnia that may arise unpredictably during treatment. Common examples include benzodiazepines for anxiety or antipsychotics for acute agitation. The use of PRN medications in clinical trials is typically monitored and reported as it can impact the interpretation of primary outcome measures.
Usage
Usage note: PRN should be capitalized; may be written with or without periods (P.R.N.).
In Context
- "PRN lorazepam was available for severe anxiety episodes during the study." — Concomitant medication protocol
- "The frequency of PRN medication use was recorded as a secondary outcome measure." — Study endpoints