What elements are required on a prescription for a controlled substance aside from patient and practitioner information?

For a prescription of a controlled substance to be valid, it must include specific critical information, particularly about the medication being prescribed. This includes the drug name, strength, dosage form, and quantity prescribed. Each of these elements plays a vital role in ensuring that the prescription is correctly interpreted and filled by the pharmacy.

The drug name informs the pharmacist about which medication to dispense. The strength is crucial as it indicates the potency of the medication, which can vary significantly between different formulations. The dosage form specifies how the medication is delivered (e.g., tablet, liquid, injection), and the quantity prescribed is necessary to understand how long the patient is expected to be on the medication or how many refills they are allowed.

Including these details on the prescription helps to prevent errors in dispensing and assures that the patient receives proper medication tailored to their needs. In contrast, elements such as duration of treatment, previous medications taken, and insurance information, while relevant in the broader context of patient care and billing, are not mandatory components required on a prescription for a controlled substance. Thus, the answer focusing on the drug-related information is essential and accurate.