Medication Types

Overview

Scripter offers two medication entry methods to accommodate different prescription scenarios. Guided entry provides structured fields for standard commercial medications, ensuring consistent formatting. Freeform entry allows complete flexibility for compounded medications, complex dosing schedules, or special instructions. You can mix both methods within a single prescription.

Guided Entry

Structured entry with separate fields for each medication component.

When to Use

• Standard commercial medications
• Common prescriptions with predictable formats
• When you want consistent, professional formatting
• For medications with straightforward dosing

Fields

Example Guided Entries

Simple Antibiotic:

Drug: Amoxicillin
Strength: 500mg
Form: Tablets
Quantity: 30 tablets
Directions: Give 1 tablet twice daily with food for 10 days
Repeats: 0

Pain Medication:

Drug: Carprofen
Strength: 75mg
Form: Chewable tablets
Quantity: 60 tablets
Directions: Give 1 tablet once daily with food
Repeats: 2

Freeform Entry

Single text field for complete medication details.

When to Use

• Compounded medications
• Complex dosing schedules
• Unusual medication forms
• When guided fields are too restrictive
• For special instructions or notes

Best Practices

Include all essential information:

• Drug name and strength
• Form and quantity
• Complete dosing instructions
• Number of repeats
• Any special handling instructions

Example Freeform Entries

Compounded Medication:

Metoclopramide 10mg/ml oral solution
Give 0.5ml by mouth three times daily, 30 minutes before meals
Continue for 14 days or until appetite improves
Dispense: 50ml
Store in refrigerator
No repeats

Complex Dosing:

Prednisolone 5mg tablets
Days 1-7: Give 2 tablets twice daily
Days 8-14: Give 1 tablet twice daily
Days 15-21: Give 1 tablet once daily
Then discontinue
Dispense: 42 tablets
No repeats - contact clinic before refilling

Mixing Entry Types

You can use both methods in the same prescription:

Example: Multi-Medication Prescription

1. Guided: Amoxicillin 500mg tablets - standard dosing
2. Freeform: Custom ear medication with special application instructions
3. Guided: Carprofen 75mg tablets - pain management

Medication Numbering

Each medication receives a unique identifier:

• First medication: Uses prescription number (e.g., VRX123)
• Additional medications: Prescription number + sequential number
  • Second medication: VRX123-2
  • Third medication: VRX123-3

This numbering is automatic and ensures legal compliance.

Tips for Better Entries

Guided Entry Tips

• Be specific: Use full drug names, not abbreviations
• Include units: Always specify mg, ml, etc.
• Clear directions: Write as you would speak to the owner
• Standard abbreviations: PO (by mouth), BID (twice daily), etc.

Freeform Entry Tips

• Start with drug name: Begin with medication identification
• Use line breaks: Separate different instruction types
• Be complete: Don't assume pharmacist will fill in gaps
• Highlight warnings: Make special instructions prominent

Common Abbreviations

Standard veterinary abbreviations accepted in both entry types:

Next Steps