What does "pr" indicate in terms of medication administration?

The abbreviation "pr" stands for "per rectum," which indicates that a medication is administered via the rectal route. This method is often used for patients who may be unable to take medications orally due to nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. The rectal route allows for the absorption of the medication through the rectal mucosa, providing an alternative means of administration that can be effective and convenient in certain clinical situations.

In contrast, the oral route signifies that the medication is taken by mouth, while subcutaneous administration involves delivering medication under the skin, and topical refers to applying a medication directly onto the skin or mucous membranes. Each of these routes has different implications for absorption, onset of action, and patient preference. Understanding these distinctions is essential for safe and effective medication administration in the pharmacy setting.