Can prn medication be given on a regular basis?

Answer 1

Possibly, but this has nothing to do with the medication itself. Rather, it is HOW the medication is ordered by your doctor. If it is ordered to be taken on a regular basis (or routinely), then it would not be a "prn medication" or "as needed".... Some medications are only usually prescribed PRN, due to the reason they're prescribed and the nature of the disease process

An example is migraine abortive meds-- they are only ordered prn because you only take them when you actually GET a migraine. Preventative meds on the other hand, are taken on a regular basis. They don't work to stop migraines only when you get one. You have to take them daily to prevent migraines from occurring.

other medications may be either routine OR PRN depending on how your Dr wants you to take them. meds for pain or anxiety could be either "as needed" OR on a regular basis. But this is determined by the prescriber, not the patient. If they prescribe a medication PRN, then no, it shouldn't be taken on a regular basis. That is why, in this case, it is a "prn med". If, for another person, it is ordered to be taken every day at a regular time, it is considered "routine", even though it is the same med that is a "prn med" for you.