What is typically the first step in the medication dispensing process?

The first step in the medication dispensing process is verification by the pharmacist. This critical step ensures that the prescribed medication is appropriate for the patient, considering factors such as dosage, potential drug interactions, allergies, and the patient’s overall health. The pharmacist reviews the prescription to confirm that it meets all necessary legal, clinical, and safety requirements before any further action is taken.

This verification process is vital because it serves as a safeguard that protects patients from medication errors and helps maintain the integrity of the medication distribution system. Only after the pharmacist completes this verification will the pharmacy staff proceed with filling the prescription, ensuring that all steps that follow are based on an accurate and legally valid prescription.

In this context, while patient consultation, filling the prescription, and recording medication administration are essential components of the entire medication dispensing process, they cannot occur until after the pharmacist has confirmed the suitability of the prescribed medication.