Pharmacy practice is extending beyond the supply of medicines to include a growing range of professional health services. However, dispensing prescribed medicines remains the priority for most pharmacists.
Dispensing is an essential service provided by pharmacists as part of the Medication Management Cycle. The separation of prescribing and dispensing of medicines provides a safety mechanism ensuring the independent review of a prescription before the start of treatment.
Dispensing involves the labelling and supply of medicines according to legal requirements and the clinical interpretation and evaluation of prescriptions. This includes assessing the prescribed dosage to ensure it is safe and appropriate - checking for allergies, contra-indications and drug interactions - at the point of medicine selection or preparation.
The dispensing process is completed by providing medicine information to the consumer or their carer to ensure their safe and effective use.
Pharmacists must dispense accurately, reflecting the prescriber's intentions and being consistent with the needs and safety of the consumer. Some steps in the dispensing process can be completed by appropriately trained pharmacy assistants under direct pharmacist supervision.
Counselling is an essential part of the dispensing process, ensuring patients or their carers have sufficient information to understand their medicines and their intended therapeutic effect while minimising the risk of adverse effects.
As a result of dispensing, patients or their carers should:
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