> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ndumed.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Dispense prescriptions from the pharmacy queue

> Dispense prescriptions in NduMed: match them to formulary drugs, issue full or partial quantities, use first-expiry-first-out stock and get controlled-drug authorisation.

Pharmacists dispense from the **Dispensing** queue. NduMed picks stock batches for you (earliest expiry first), deducts the stock and charges the patient.

## The queue

Open **Dispensing**. The list shows prescriptions that are **Not yet dispensed** or **Partially dispensed**. If the doctor overrode an allergy warning, the override reason is shown on the dispense form.

## Dispense a prescription

**1. Open the prescription**

Read the drug, dose, route, frequency and duration the doctor wrote, and any allergy override.

**2. Choose the Formulary drug**

Doctors type drug names freely, so you pick the matching active drug from your formulary.

**3. Enter the Quantity**

The number of dispense units (for example tablets) you are issuing now.

**4. Controlled drugs: enter the Authoriser**

For a drug marked **Controlled substance**, enter the username of a second person who is authorising the issue. See below.

**5. Complete or leave open**

Tick **This completes the prescription** if nothing more will be issued. Leave it unticked to issue the rest later; the prescription stays **Partially dispensed**.

**6. Select Dispense**

Stock is deducted and the charge (unit price x quantity) is added to the patient's bill.

## How stock is chosen

NduMed issues from the batch that expires first (first-expiry-first-out) and skips expired batches. If there is not enough unexpired stock you see "Not enough non-expired stock to dispense that quantity." Receive more stock or dispense a smaller quantity. See [Formulary and stock](https://docs.ndumed.co/pharmacy/formulary-and-stock.md).

## Controlled drugs

A controlled drug needs a second, different, active user with authority to approve controlled-drug dispensing. By default only **Administrators** have this authority.

* Enter their **username** in **Authoriser**.
* You cannot authorise your own dispense.

> [!NOTE]
>
> NduMed records the authoriser's username but does not ask for their password. Agree a local procedure (for example, the authoriser is physically present) and follow your hospital's controlled-drug policy.

## Common messages

| Message | What to do |
| - | - |
| Drug is not active in the formulary | Choose an active drug, or ask for it to be reactivated |
| Not enough non-expired stock | Receive stock, or dispense less now and the rest later |
| Authoriser required or not allowed | Enter a different active user who can authorise controlled drugs |


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