If a pharmacist is suspicious of a prescription, what should they do?

• A. Ignore it and dispense as written
• B. Call the practitioner when in doubt
• C. Ask the patient for payment upfront
• D. Refer to a standard protocol without contacting the prescriber

Answer: (B)

When something about a prescription raises doubt, the pharmacist should contact the prescriber to verify and clarify any unclear or potentially unsafe aspects before dispensing. This direct communication helps confirm the correct drug, dose, frequency, and duration, and it gives the prescriber a chance to address issues such as drug interactions, allergies, contraindications, or calculation errors. Document the conversation and the decisions made, and only proceed once the prescriber has clarified the prescription. If the prescriber can’t be reached, follow your pharmacy’s escalation procedures and keep the patient informed about the hold or the steps being taken. This approach prioritizes patient safety and professional responsibility.