Literal Meaning

As needed (pro re nata)

Actual Meaning

Take this medicine only when you need it, not on a schedule. Like pain medicine "as needed."

Context

Used when discussing medication schedules in a medical setting.

Examples

• "He was told to take his anti-anxiety medication PRN, especially before stressful situations like exams."
• "The doctor prescribed my allergy medication to be taken PRN, which means I only need to take it when my symptoms flare up."
• "I always keep PRN pain relief in my bag, so I can take it whenever I feel discomfort."

Tips

• Doctors may use PRN to indicate flexibility in medication usage, so don't hesitate to ask them questions if you're unsure about when to use it.
• Remember that PRN means you only take the medication when necessary, so consider how you feel before deciding to take it.
• PRN is often used in medical settings; understanding this can help you navigate conversations about medication with healthcare professionals.