Nonprescriptive

Safety management systems are largely nonprescriptive that is, the regulations and standards in this field generally provide very little specific detail as to what has to be done. This lack of detail explains why the technical section of the SEMS rule is so short. The regulation merely requires that programs be in place, that they be adhered to, and that they work. 

Although each facility is unique, many operations, such as starting a pump or training a contract worker, are really quite similar from site-to-site and from company-to-company. Therefore it is possible to develop high-quality, generic systems that can be used in a wide variety of situations. Doing so saves time and money, and improves quality. It is this philosophy that lies behind the creation of RP 75 and the many prescriptive standards that it calls on. 

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OTC Facts and Figures, Nonprescription Drug Manufacturers Association, Washington, D.C., 1995. 

W. E. Gilbertson, in T. R. Covington, ed.. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, 10th ed., American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington, D.C.,... 

Medical Economics Co., Physicians Desk Reference for Nonprescription Drugs, Van Nostrand Reiohold, New York, 1991. 

After approval of a drag, the FDA assigns the drug to one of the following categories prescription, nonprescription, or controlled substance ... 

Many laws have been enacted over the last century that affect drug distribution and administration. Those included here are the Pure Food and Drug Act Harrison Narcotic Act Pure Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. These laws control the use of the three categories of drugs in the United States (prescription, nonprescription, and controlled substances). 

Some drugs have simple uses and, tiierefore, relatively littie patient teaching is needed. For example, applying a nonprescription ointment to die skin requires only minimal teaching. Other drug , such as insulin, require detailed information that may need to be given over several days. 

A prescription drug or nonprescription drug recommended by a primary health care provider is not stopped or omitted except on the advice of the primary health care provider. 

All healdi care workers, including physicians, dentists, nurses, and healdi personnel must always be informed of all dm (prescription and nonprescription) currently being taken on a regular or occasional basis. 

The exact names of all prescription and nonprescription drains currendy being taken should be kept in a wallet or purse for instant reference when seeing a physician, dentist, or otiier health care provider. 

The nurse makes sure that all family members or relatives are aware of all dragp, prescription and nonprescription, tiiat are currendy being taken by die patient. 

The term drug applies to both nonprescription and prescription drugs. 

The entire label of the prescription or nonprescription drug container must be read, including the recommended dosage and warning. 

Advises the patient to avoid alcohol and the use of nonprescription drugs, especially those containing aspirin, unless use is approved by the health care provider. 

Do not take diis drugwidi an antacid. In addition, avoid die use of nonprescription drag s unless use of a specific drug is approved by die primary health care provider. This drug may produce headache ... 

Do not use any nonprescription drug (eg, cold or flu preparations or nasal decongestants) unless use of a specific drug has been approved by the primary care provider. 

Caffeine (oral, nonprescription) Avoid the use of oral caffeine-containing products to stay awake if tiiere is a history of heart disease high blood pressure, or stomach ulcers. These products are intended for occasional use and should not be used if heart palpitations, dizziness, or light-headedness occurs. 

Urges to read labels of foods and nonprescription drugs for possible stimulant content. 

Do not use nonprescription drug s (some may contain sympathomimetic drag s) unless use has been approved by the primary health care provider. 

LJpper respiratory infections are among die most common afflictions of humans. The drug used to treat die discomfort associated widi an upper respiratory infection include antitussives, mucolytics, and expectorants. Many of tiiese dm are available as nonprescription (over-die-counter) dni, whereas otiiers are available only by prescription. 

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