The Historical Roots of Pharmacy Language
For centuries, Latin was the universal language of medicine and science, a tradition that has left a lasting mark on modern pharmacology. This historical practice ensured that a prescription written in one country could be understood by a pharmacist in another. While the use of Latin has significantly declined in favor of clearer, plain-language instructions to enhance patient safety, many abbreviations remain in use [1.7.5]. These bits of shorthand serve as a quick way for prescribers to communicate complex instructions for dosage, frequency, and quantity to the pharmacist. One such term that often appears is 'Mitte.'
Defining 'Mitte': The Instruction to Send
'Mitte' is a Latin verb that translates to "send" [1.3.3, 1.4.4]. In the context of a prescription, it functions as a direct command to the pharmacist, indicating the total quantity of the medication to be dispensed to the patient [1.3.1]. For example, a prescription might read: "Amoxicillin 500mg, one capsule T.I.D., Mitte 21." This instructs the pharmacist to dispense a total of 21 capsules. The term is part of the 'subscription' section of a prescription, which contains the directions for the pharmacist [1.2.6].
Unlike abbreviations that describe how the patient should take the medication (like 'p.o.' for 'by mouth' or 'q.i.d.' for 'four times a day'), 'Mitte' is purely a dispensing instruction [1.2.1]. It specifies 'how much' to provide in total, not the dose or frequency of administration.
The Shift Towards Clarity and Patient Safety
In modern pharmacy practice, there is a strong movement away from using potentially ambiguous Latin abbreviations to prevent medication errors [1.7.5]. Organizations like the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) maintain lists of error-prone abbreviations that should be avoided. A study on prescription writing found that low accuracy scores were associated with high workloads, highlighting how unclear instructions can lead to mistakes [1.7.7]. Vague directions can compromise patient safety and lead to incorrect dosing or duration of therapy [1.7.4].
Because of this, many electronic health record (EHR) systems and modern prescribing guidelines advocate for using plain language. Instead of 'Mitte', a prescriber might simply write 'Dispense #21' or 'Quantity: 21'. This eliminates any potential for misinterpretation by the pharmacy staff and ensures the patient receives the correct amount of medication as intended by the prescriber. Clear and specific directions reinforce the care plan and empower the pharmacist to provide effective patient counseling [1.7.5].
'Mitte' in Practice: A Comparison of Terms
To fully grasp the function of 'Mitte', it is helpful to compare it with other prescription terms. The pharmacist must synthesize different parts of the prescription—the drug name, the dosage form, the patient instructions (the 'Signa' or 'Sig.'), and the quantity—to ensure the medication is dispensed correctly and safely.
| Term/Abbreviation | Meaning | Function | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitte | Send; supply [1.4.3] | Specifies the total quantity to dispense. | Mitte #30 (Send 30 tablets) |
| Disp. or # | Dispense | A more modern, direct instruction for quantity. | Dispense #30 or #30 |
| Sig | Write on label [1.6.3] | Introduces the instructions for the patient. | Sig: 1 tab p.o. q.d. |
| p.o. | Per os (by mouth) [1.2.1] | Specifies the route of administration. | 1 tab p.o. (take 1 tablet by mouth) |
| q.d. | Quaque die (every day) [1.6.3] | Specifies the frequency of the dose. | 1 tab q.d. (take 1 tablet every day) |
| q.s. | Quantum sufficiat (a sufficient quantity) [1.4.3] | Used when the total volume depends on compounding. | Add cherry syrup q.s. ad 100mL |
Conclusion: A Legacy Term in a Modern World
'Mitte' is a remnant of pharmacy's Latin-based history, serving as a specific instruction to the pharmacist to 'send' or dispense a certain quantity of medication [1.4.1]. While effective in its traditional context, the modern emphasis on minimizing medication errors has led to a preference for clearer, non-abbreviated terms like 'Dispense' or 'Quantity' [1.7.5]. Understanding 'Mitte' remains important for pharmacy professionals who may still encounter it on handwritten prescriptions, but the overarching goal in pharmacology today is unambiguous communication. This ensures that every step, from prescribing to dispensing, is as clear and safe as possible for the patient.
For more information on prescription standards, you can visit the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP).
