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Medical Symbols

Rx Symbol

Rx Symbol

What it means

The ℞ (Rx) symbol derives from the Latin "recipe" (take) and marks prescription medications. It indicates the drug must be dispensed under professional supervision and is not available over the counter.

Where you will see it

Pharmacy signage, prescription pads, medicine packaging, and healthcare branding.

What you should do

Obtain a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber and have it dispensed by a registered pharmacist.

Common mistakes

  • Sharing prescription medication with others, which is unsafe and often illegal.
  • Buying prescription drugs from unverified online sources.

Tags

  • medical
  • pharmacy
  • prescription
  • medicine

Related Symbols

More symbols from Medical Symbols.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a prescription-only medicine requiring a valid prescription. The ℞ (Rx) symbol derives from the Latin "recipe" (take) and marks prescription medications. It indicates the drug must be dispensed under professional supervision and is not available over the counter.

Obtain a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber and have it dispensed by a registered pharmacist.

The Rx Symbol is widely recognised, though labelling standards and local regulations can differ slightly by region. SymbolBuddy focuses on the most common version you are likely to see. If you spot a variation, compare it with the description and tags on this page for context.

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