CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A. BACKGROUND

CHAPTER II

DISCUSSION
A. SIG CODES
Many pharmacies use sig (or speed) codes and mnemonics to ease and
accelerate the data entry process. Sig codes are programmed into the pharmacy
computer system and used to represent a specific set of directions. For example, a
computer system could be programmed so that the sig code 1TBID will produce
Take 1 tablet by mouth twice daily on the pharmacy label. Although these codes
can save time, they are not without risk.
Safe Practice Recommendations, In order to reduce the risk of medication
errors resulting from vulnerable sig codes and mnemonics, consider the following
strategies:
- Sig codes and mnemonics should only be added by administrative
personnel using a standardized process. Once built, test the sig codes and
mnemonics to verify that they are functioning correctly.
- Prohibit staff from coining abbreviations for drug names or entering new
sig codes or mnemonics into the pharmacy computer system. For chain
pharmacies, addition of sig codes and mnemonics should not be allowed at
the store level.
- Routinely run reports of system sig codes and mnemonics in use. Remove
dangerous or outdated codes and mnemonics from the computer system.
- Avoid using dangerous mnemonics. For example, novo7030 should not
be a mnemonic, because it could represent NovoLin 70/30 or NovoLog
Mix 70/30. Use the ISMP List of Confused Drug Names for examples of
drug product names that can lead to error and determine if codes for those
drugs can be interchanged, leading to the data entry of unintended
products.
- During the dispensing process, drug names listed on prescriptions should
be matched to computer labels and manufacturers products. Also, match
 the instructions on prescriptions with those printed on the label to verify
accuracy.
- At prescription drop-off and during patient education at the point of sale,
verify the directions and purpose of the medication with the patient.

THE MEANING OF SIG CODES

SIG CODE MEANING

% percent or percentage
%DV percent daily value(s)
5x/d five times daily or five times per day
AAA apply to affected area
ac before meals
ad right ear
am morning, in the morning, before noon
amp ampule or ampul
amp ampicillin
APAP acetaminophen
aq aqueous (water)
as left ear
au each ear, both ears
AUD apply as directed
bid or b.i.d. twice a day
bid-tid 2 to 3 times daily
btid 2 to 3 times daily
BOT bottle
BP blood pressure
C or c 100 (roman numeral)
cap capsule
mcg microgram
mcL microliter
MDI metered dose inhaler
 MDP Medrol Dose Pack
mEq milliequivalent
Mg or Mag Magnesium
mg milligram
mg/dL milligrams (mg) of sugar per deciliter (dL) of blood
mg/dL milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood
mL milliliter

B. DIALOGUE PRACTICE (CHECKING MEDICINE)

Dialogue Practice Of Checking Medicine
Patient : Hello, good morning. Have you got these medicines?
Pharmacist : Ummm. Yeah.. I have got the first three of them.
Patient : Could you give me a complate dosage for a week, please?
Pharmacist : Here it is. It costs..
Patient : Hang on. I think this one would be expired.
Pharmacist : It cant be. Ill check it first.
Patient : Sure, i think it was expired last week.
Pharmacist : No, it wasnt. The printed year is 2014
Patient : Oh, i thought it was 2011

Dialogue Practice Of Asking For Generics

Patient : These medicines are hugely exspensive. I think i cant afford it
Pharmacist : Thats what your doctor prescribed, but i will give you a generic one
if you want. Its using different formulation but its different brand
Patient : Its a good idea. Can i check with my doctor?
Pharmacist : Yes, you can. Its using the same formula and FDA approved
medicine.
Patient : Alright. Please give me 3 days worth of the dose. I will check it with
my doctor and buy the rest.
Pharmacist : Alrigth then. Its a good idea.
 Dialogue Practice Buying Medicine From Pharmacist
Patient : Hello, good morning. Have you got something for stomach pain?
Pharmacist : Yes, I have. When did you start having pain?
Patient : Its not me. Its my grandmother. It just started after she had dinner.
Pharmacist : Have you got pain in yor lower abdomen? Do you have any idea?
Patient : No. Sorry, I dont know exactly.
Pharmacist : You should ask her. Have you got severe pain?
Patient : Can I have some medicine for now? The pain is not so severe
Pharmacist : Its fine. Ill pack some. But if the pain doesnt stop, you had better
call a doctor

C. READING

CHAPTER III

CONCLUSION