US Medical Term · medications
PRN Medication (As Needed)
Medicamento según sea necesario (PRN)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | PRN Medication (As Needed) |
| Spanish (Español) | Medicamento según sea necesario (PRN) |
| Chinese (中文) | 按需用藥 |
| Korean (한국어) | 필요시 투약 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thuốc dùng khi cần |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Gamot kung kinakailangan (PRN) |
| Portuguese (Português) | Medicamento conforme necessário |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ยาเมื่อจำเป็น |
| Japanese (日本語) | 頓服薬 |
What it means
PRN is a Latin abbreviation for pro re nata, meaning as needed. A PRN medication is one you take only when you experience a specific symptom, such as pain, nausea, anxiety, or shortness of breath, rather than on a fixed daily schedule. Your prescription will specify the maximum dose and how frequently you may take it within a given period. PRN medications suit symptoms that come and go, giving you flexibility to treat yourself when needed without taking medication constantly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to judge when it is appropriate to use your PRN medication and when you should seek emergency care instead.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
This pain medication is prescribed PRN. Should I only take it when I am in pain?
Este analgésico está recetado como PRN. ¿Solo debo tomarlo cuando tenga dolor?
How often can I take my PRN medication?
¿Con qué frecuencia puedo tomar mi medicamento PRN?
I did not take my PRN medication yesterday because I did not feel any symptoms.
Ayer no tomé mi medicamento PRN porque no tuve síntomas.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026