Non-severe, occasional, usually self-limiting conditions are treated with over-the-counter “as needed” or pro re nata (PRN) medications (DeRemer). These symptoms are usually mild, non-life threatening, and unlikely to cause medical emergencies, for example, heart-burn after eating spicy foods or minor aches after physical activity, or minor colds. Usually, these symptoms do not require large or continued therapy with medications and are self-limiting. Some examples of PRN are analgesics, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. On the other hand, daily medications are used to treat severe, chronic, long-term conditions which, if untreated, are likely to cause significant problems and symptoms. Daily medications are used to treat illnesses and prevent
