Key takeaways
- Many prescription abbreviations originate from Latin terms. But, pharmacists translate these into plain language on medication labels so you can understand the instructions clearly.
- The use of traditional abbreviations is decreasing because they can be easily misread or confused, leading to potential medication errors. Doctors are increasingly using electronic prescribing to send typed, plain-language instructions directly to pharmacies.
Pharmacy abbreviations, such as qid, hs, or bid, can be found on prescriptions. These abbreviations come from Latin words. For example, hs is the abbreviation for the Latin term “hora somni” which means “at bedtime”.
It’s unlikely you will see Latin-based prescription abbreviations on the medications you take at home. Your pharmacist will translate the abbreviations for the medication label you see.
Learn more about common pharmacy abbreviations, a few examples, and why they may not be used as often anymore.
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Below is a table of some common pharmacy abbreviations for medications. This is not a full list. If you have questions about other abbreviations, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| aa | of each |
| AA | apply to affected area |
| a.c. | before meals |
| achs | before meals and at bedtime |
| a.d. | right ear |
| ad lib | use as much as desired |
| agit | shake or stir |
| aq | water |
| A.T.C. | around the clock |
| au | both ears |
| bid | twice per day |
| c | with |
| cap | capsule |
| cc or cf | with food |
| DAW | dispense as written |
| dc, D/C, or disc | discontinue |
| disp | dispense |
| div | divide |
| E.C. | enteric coated |
| elix | elixir |
| g | gram |
| gtt(s) | drop(s) |
| hs or h.s. | at bedtime |
| ID | intradermal |
| IM | intramuscular |
| inh | inhalation |
| IV | intravenous |
| mcg | microgram |
| mEq | milliequivalent |
| mg | milligram |
| mL | milliliter |
| nebul | nebulizer |
| OD | right eye |
| oint | ointment |
| OS | left eye |
| OTC | over the counter |
| OU | both eyes |
| oz | ounce |
| pc | after meals |
| po | by mouth |
| pr | by rectum |
| prn | as needed |
| q | every |
| qad or qod | every other day |
| qam | every morning |
| qd | every day |
| qhs | every day at bedtime |
| q4h | every 4 hours |
| q6h | every 6 hours |
| qid | four times a day |
| qpm | every evening |
| qwk | every week |
| Rx | prescription |
| s | without |
| sig | write |
| soln | solution |
| supp | suppository |
| susp | suspension |
| syr | sryup |
| tab | tablet |
| tbsp | tablespoon |
| tid | three times per day |
| top | topical |
| tsp | teaspoon |
| x | times |
Note: There are cases where abbreviations may be written in capital letters or small letters, and may or may not include periods.
Here are a few examples of what a doctor might write on a prescription and what you would see on your medication label:
- Sig: 1 tab po bid pc: Take one tablet by mouth twice per day after meals
- Sig: 2 gtts au qid: Place two drops in both ears four times per day
- Sig: 1 supp pr qhs: Unwrap and insert one suppository and place in rectum every day at bedtime
- Sig: 2 inh po q6h prn: Use two inhalations (puffs) by mouth every 6 hours as needed
If you have questions about the instructions for you medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Some doctors are still using the Latin terms when writing prescriptions. But, it is becoming more common for doctors to write instructions in plain language.
Instructions written in plain language instead of hard-to-read abbreviations can help prevent medication errors. Some of the abbreviations look similar and not all doctor’s handwriting is clear.
E-prescribing or electronic prescribing is also becoming more popular. This is where your doctor sends the prescription directly to the pharmacy with the instructions typed out. E-prescribing can improve patient safety in the following ways:
- reducing the need for verbal communication where mistakes may happen
- getting rid of hard-to-read prescriptions
- making it easier for your doctor to view your medication history
- alerting your doctor to any drug allergies
- allowing your doctor to see possible drug interactions
Pharmacy abbreviations are still used on prescriptions. It’s unlikely you will see these abbreviations, unless you see the prescription itself. Your pharmacist will translate these abbreviations into plain language that you will find on your medication label.
Some doctors are moving to e-prescribing, where they eliminate the risk of hard-to-read handwritten prescriptions.
If you have questions about medication instructions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.