If a prescription states "prn," how should the medication be taken?

The term "prn" is derived from the Latin phrase "pro re nata," which translates to "as needed" in English. When a medication is prescribed to be taken prn, it indicates that the patient should take the medication only when they feel it is necessary, rather than at scheduled intervals. This allows for flexibility in managing symptoms or conditions, ensuring that the patient receives medication when they truly need it without the risk of overmedication.

This approach is particularly common for medications that relieve symptoms, such as pain relievers or anti-anxiety medications, where taking them continuously may not be appropriate. The other options suggest a fixed schedule for medication administration, which is not aligned with the prn guideline.