What does prescribing a medication "as needed" or PRN imply?

Prescribing a medication "as needed," commonly referred to as PRN, indicates that the medication is to be taken only when necessary, rather than on a fixed schedule. This means that the patient should use the medication based on their individual symptoms or specific situations that arise, rather than on a regular timetable. This approach is frequently used for medications that manage pain, anxiety, or other intermittent conditions where ongoing therapy is not required.

The significance of PRN is that it allows for flexibility and responsiveness to the patient's needs, promoting more effective management of symptoms while minimizing unnecessary medication use when it is not warranted. This also underscores the importance of patient education, ensuring that the patient understands when and how to use the medication effectively.