Use of PRN medications in skilled nursing facilities.

Many elderly individuals in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), afflicted with an array of acute and chronic diseases, may have as many as 20 different prescribed medications administered on a pro re nata (PRN) basis. In this study, 20 SNFs in Indiana were inspected. Data on PRN medications were taken from medical charts to determine the extent of PRN medication use by the patients. From one to 10 PRN medication were prescribed per patient; 47% of the patients had not used any of their PRN medications. Further data are needed to justify PRN medication prescribing and usage and to decrease the potential for hidden medical costs, adverse drug effects, and drug interactions.