If a patient requests a refill on a prescription with no authorized refills, how long can a pharmacy dispense medication before obtaining prescriber's authorization according to Ohio law?

In Ohio, when a patient requests a refill on a prescription that has no authorized refills, the pharmacy is permitted to dispense a supply of the medication for a short duration, specifically up to 72 hours, without having to obtain authorization from the prescriber. This provision is designed to ensure that patients do not experience an interruption in their therapy while waiting for a new prescription or authorization from their healthcare provider.

This regulation allows pharmacists to respond to immediate patient needs and ensures continuity of care, especially for medications that are essential for managing chronic conditions or preventing withdrawal symptoms. It encourages collaboration between pharmacists and prescribers by providing a temporary solution in urgent situations while still prioritizing patient safety.

The other time frames provided in the options are either too short or too long compared to the established legal guidelines for dispensing in such circumstances. Thus, the correct answer aligns perfectly with the law governing pharmacy practice in Ohio.