Medical Terminology in Medication Instructions: Abbreviations and Meanings

Understanding medical terminology is crucial for both healthcare professionals and patients. This guide will help decode and clarify some of the common abbreviations used in medical prescriptions and medication instructions, ensuring that you can interpret doctor's advice accurately and safely.

Abbreviations in Medication Prescriptions

Before and After Meals

Several abbreviations are used to indicate the timing of medication relative to meals.

Abbreviation Meaning a.c. before food b.i.d. twice daily c. with, used with other medications d. every day p.c. after food

Timing and Administration

Other abbreviations indicate when medication should be taken and how it should be administered.

Abbreviation Meaning b. twice b.d. twice daily cib. food gtt. droppers s.o.s.

Dosage and Administration

Several abbreviations indicate how much of a medication to take and how to use it.

Abbreviation Meaning ad lib. as much as desired div. divide the dose part. dolent. to the painful part q.s. sufficient stat. immediately

Special Instructions and Routes of Administration

Several abbreviations are used for special instructions or to indicate how a medication is to be administered.

Abbreviation Meaning I.M. intramuscular injection I.V. intravenous injection P.R. per rectum SL. sublingual Ung. ointment

Location-Specific Instructions

Some abbreviations provide specific instructions about where to apply a medication.

Abbreviation Meaning aurist. ear drops colllyr. eye lotion narist. nasal drops oculent. eye ointment

Frequency and Duration of Treatment

Several abbreviations are used to indicate how frequently and for how long medication should be taken.

Abbreviation Meaning alt. alternate, every other day q.d. four times daily q.i.d. twice every 12 hours q12h every 12 hours q4h every 4 hours q6h every 6 hours

Conclusion

Understanding medical terminology is essential for both doctors and patients. This article has outlined some of the most common abbreviations in medical prescriptions and medication instructions. Familiarizing yourself with these abbreviations can help you interpret healthcare information more effectively and communicate more efficiently with healthcare providers.

References

The information in this article is based on commonly used abbreviations in medical practice and prescription writing. For a comprehensive list and further details, please refer to professional medical resources such as textbooks on pharmacology and healthcare communication.