Proactive PRN Management
Tips for staying ahead of PRN medication needs so individuals don’t go without and staff avoid last-minute emergencies.
👥 Who This Is For
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), nurses, managers, and program administrators responsible for medication ordering and administration.
📘 What You’ll Learn
- What PRN medications are
- Why proactive management matters
- A weekly schedule for PRN checks and reordering
- How to communicate with the pharmacy for best results
💡 What Are PRN Medications?
PRN means “as needed.” These medications are not given on a regular schedule but are available when specific symptoms come up—like pain, anxiety, or constipation.
Examples of common PRNs include:
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for pain or fever)
- Laxatives or stool softeners (for constipation)
- Hydroxyzine or lorazepam (for anxiety or agitation)
- Albuterol (for breathing issues)
Because they’re not given every day, they can be easy to overlook until the bottle is nearly empty.
🔍 Why Proactive Management Matters
Running out of PRN medications can delay care and create stressful, urgent situations. It may also require extra pharmacy deliveries, which aren’t always available the same day, especially after hours or on weekends.
Being proactive helps:
- Avoid missed doses when symptoms arise
- Prevent medication errors or substitutions
- Support better outcomes for the individuals you serve
- Reduce stress for staff and pharmacy teams
- Minimize extra deliveries and make it easier to track what’s arriving when
📝 Note: The fewer unplanned shipments there are, the easier it is for staff to manage deliveries. When everything comes with your cycle meds, there’s less confusion and better accountability.
Best Practices for Proactive PRN Management
🗓️ Check PRN Stock Every Thursday
Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy recommends that staff check all PRN medications on Thursdays and report low or expiring items to their supervisor or manager.
This gives your team time to gather and submit orders by Friday at noon so these can be included with your regular cycle med delivery (typically Tuesday or Wednesday).
📝 Note: Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy will still send out PRNs when needed, but proactive ordering helps ensure timely delivery with your regular meds and avoids unnecessary stress.
📨 Submit PRN Requests by Email
Email is the preferred method for PRN refill requests. It helps us organize and process them more efficiently.
Please reserve phone calls for urgent or time-sensitive needs only.
💡 Tip: Include the individual’s name, med name, current supply on hand, and any known recent usage or changes when emailing in a request.
✍️ Document Usage Promptly
Make sure PRN usage is recorded in your eMAR or on paper as soon as it’s given. This keeps records accurate and helps the pharmacy spot trends.
🔄 Watch for Increased Use
If a PRN is being used more often than usual, talk with your team and the provider. It may be time to adjust the order, refill quantity, or treatment plan.
🔁 Auto-Refill Is Available for Some PRNs
If a PRN medication is used regularly or predictably, it may be eligible for auto-refill. This means the pharmacy will send a new supply automatically—no request needed.
Examples of PRNs that can be put on auto-refill:
- Liquid medications that are measured out (such as acetaminophen or milk of magnesia)
- Inhalers with metered doses (such as albuterol)
- Eye drops or nasal sprays with known dose counts
📝 Note: To set up auto-refill, just email Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy. They will review usage and refill history to determine the best refill schedule.
📞 When to Call the Pharmacy
Please call the pharmacy when:
- A PRN is urgently needed and cannot wait for the next cycle
- You’re unsure about how much is left or whether a refill is needed
- A medication isn’t working or is causing side effects
Otherwise, email allows Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy to respond thoughtfully and track your request effectively.
Final Thoughts
Proactive PRN management is simple but powerful. A quick weekly stock check, clear documentation, and timely communication can prevent last-minute emergencies and reduce stress for everyone.
By submitting requests by Friday at noon, you help Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy deliver PRNs with your scheduled cycle meds making it easier for staff to track what’s coming and when. Fewer deliveries = fewer surprises.