In daily clinical practice, the white prescription is the most commonly encountered prescription type — and the one patients most frequently deal with at pharmacies. Yet questions about what it actually means, which medications it covers, and how it differs from other prescription types arise constantly. In this article, I’d like to address the topic from both the clinician’s and the patient’s perspective.
White Prescription: Definition and General Framework
A white prescription is the standard prescription type that carries no special restrictions and can be written by any physician — both general practitioners and specialists. It takes its name from the fact that it bears no color code or special marking; unlike red or green prescriptions, it does not need to be printed on specially designated paper.
This prescription type is used for medications that carry no risk of dependence and require no special monitoring. Narcotics, psychotropic drugs, and substances with high abuse potential therefore fall outside its scope.
Drug Groups That Can Be Prescribed on a White Prescription
The white prescription covers a remarkably broad range of medications. The main groups are as follows:
Antibiotics: A wide class of drugs used in the treatment of bacterial infections — amoxicillin, cephalosporins, macrolides, and others — are written on white prescriptions. I would take this opportunity to reiterate the problem of antibiotic resistance: antibiotics must always be used on a physician’s recommendation and for the full prescribed duration.
Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs: Preparations used for mild-to-moderate pain, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and naproxen, fall into this group. Potent opioid analgesics, however, do not.
Antihypertensive drugs: Blood pressure regulators such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
Antidiabetic drugs: Oral hypoglycemics (metformin, sulfonylureas, SGLT-2 inhibitors) and insulin preparations.
Gastrointestinal drugs: Proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists, antacids, and prokinetic agents.
Antihistamines: Preparations such as cetirizine and loratadine, used in allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and other allergic reactions.
Vitamins and mineral supplements: Preparations prescribed for deficiency states, such as vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B12.
Comparison with Other Prescription Types
In Turkey, the prescription system is classified by color-coding according to the level of control required for each medication:
The red prescription covers medications containing narcotic substances and was first introduced in 1985. It is subject to strict control and can only be written by physicians in certain specialties. Potent opioids such as morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone fall into this category.
The green prescription covers psychotropic and addictive medications; agents such as alprazolam, diazepam, and ketamine belong to this group. Due to a somewhat lower risk of dependence compared to red-prescription drugs, it is slightly less restrictive and was first introduced in 1986.
The purple prescription is used for prescribing non-factor blood products such as albumin, while the orange prescription is used in the treatment of hematological medications and blood products.
The E-Prescription System and Current Practice
As of 2026, the digital prescription system has been fully implemented across pharmacies in Turkey. The use of paper prescriptions has decreased substantially; prescriptions are now transmitted directly to pharmacies via the e-Nabız (e-Pulse) platform. This system has made prescription tracking, drug interaction checking, and Social Security Institution (SGK) queries significantly faster and more reliable.
Patients can view all of their past and current prescriptions through the e-Nabız system and track which medications they have received and when.
Pricing of White-Prescription Medications
One of the questions patients ask most frequently is whether white-prescription medications are free of charge. Not every medication prescribed on a white prescription is free; whether a drug is covered depends on whether it appears on the SGK reimbursement list, the institution issuing the prescription, and the type of medication. For SGK-registered patients, a co-payment is typically required; this amount may be lower for retirees, students, or individuals with chronic illnesses.
Important Reminders for Clinicians and Patients
Although the white prescription covers medications that are not subject to controlled-substance regulations, this does not mean these drugs are harmless. I would like to highlight several critical points:
Dosage adherence: Every medication has a different therapeutic window. The dose and duration specified on the prescription must be strictly followed.
Drug interactions: The risk of interactions must not be overlooked, particularly in patients taking multiple medications. Pharmacist consultation is of great importance in cases of polypharmacy.
Storage conditions and expiry dates: Medications must be stored under appropriate conditions to preserve their efficacy and safety.
Avoiding self-medication: Even over-the-counter medications can be harmful if used incorrectly or without monitoring. A medication used previously may not produce the same effects in a different clinical context.
Conclusion
The white prescription is the most fundamental and widely used prescription type in our healthcare system. It covers medications with low dependence risk that are frequently needed in everyday practice, and can be issued by any physician. However, being “white-prescription” does not mean a medication is entirely free of risks. As with every treatment, physician–patient collaboration, correct dosing, and regular follow-up are the keys to healthy outcomes.
Wishing you good health.
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Şenoğlu
This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for any health concerns.
References: Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK), Health Implementation Communiqué (SUT), Turkish Pharmacists’ Association.