Question

The pharmacist receives an Rx for Robitussin AC 8 ounces. Sig: one teaspoon q 4-6 hours. How many times may this Rx be refilled?

a. never
b. as often as needed every 8-10 days
c. as often as requested by the patient
d. five

Answer 1

The pharmacist may refill this prescription as often as needed every 8-10 days.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Sig indicates that the patient should take one teaspoon of Robitussin AC every 4-6 hours. Since the prescription is for 8 ounces, and the patient will be taking one teaspoon at a time, the pharmacist needs to calculate how long the 8 ounces will last. If we assume that each teaspoon is 5 mL, then there are 160 teaspoons in 8 ounces (160 x 5 mL = 800 mL) of the medication. If the patient takes one teaspoon every 4-6 hours, and each day has 24 hours, then the medication will last for approximately 10-14 days (800 mL / 20-30 mL per day).

The question regarding how many times the prescription Robitussin AC can be refilled is based on medication refill laws and regulations, which vary by drug scheduling. For a medication containing codeine, such as Robitussin AC, the refills are tightly controlled. Without specific authorization from the prescribing physician for additional refills, a schedule V controlled substance like Robitussin AC can be refilled up to five times within six months after the date on which the prescription was written. Therefore, the correct answer would be option (d) five.