ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN DRUG DISPENSING AND PRESCRIPTION MONITORING

Abstract

The ethical considerations in drug dispensing and prescription monitoring play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety, confidentiality, and equitable access to medications. Pharmacists and healthcare professionals must adhere to ethical principles, including patient autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, while handling prescriptions and dispensing drugs. This paper explores key ethical challenges, such as patient privacy, informed consent, prescription fraud, and the role of technology in monitoring medication adherence. Additionally, it discusses the implications of ethical violations and the necessity of regulatory frameworks to uphold ethical standards in pharmaceutical practice. Keywords: Ethics, Drug Dispensing, Prescription Monitoring, Patient Confidentiality, Pharmacist Responsibility, Medication Safety.