What does PRN mean in the context of medication?

In the context of medication, PRN stands for "pro re nata," which is a Latin term that translates to "as needed." This means that the medication should be administered only when the patient requires it rather than on a fixed schedule. For instance, a patient may be prescribed a pain reliever to take PRN, which means they would take it when experiencing pain rather than at specific intervals. Understanding this term is crucial for correctly managing medications and ensuring that patients receive appropriate care based on their individual needs and circumstances.

The other options refer to different medical abbreviations: "Left ear" signifies a specific anatomical location for medication administration; "Both eyes" indicates treatment involving both eyes; and "Four times a day" specifies a dosing schedule that is not related to the concept of as-needed medication. These terms serve different purposes in medication management and are not interchangeable with PRN.