Ever looked at a prescription and wondered what all those abbreviations mean? You're not alone. Understanding prescription instructions is crucial for taking medications safely.
Safety First: Never alter your medication dosage or schedule based on your own interpretation. Always verify with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if unsure.
Common Prescription Abbreviations
Dosage Frequency
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| OD | Once daily | Every 24 hours |
| BD | Twice a day | Every 12 hours |
| TDS/TID | Three times a day | Every 8 hours |
| QID | Four times a day | Every 6 hours |
| PRN | As needed | When required |
| HS | At bedtime | Before sleeping |
| AC | Before meals | Before eating |
| PC | After meals | After eating |
Route of Administration
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PO | By mouth (oral) |
| IM | Intramuscular injection |
| IV | Intravenous injection |
| SC/SQ | Subcutaneous (under skin) |
| SL | Sublingual (under tongue) |
| TOP | Topical (on skin) |
Dosage Forms
| Abbreviation | Form |
|---|---|
| Tab | Tablet |
| Cap | Capsule |
| Syr | Syrup |
| Susp | Suspension |
| Inj | Injection |
| Oint | Ointment |
| Gtt | Drops |
Sample Prescription Decoded
Tab. Metformin 500mg
Sig: 1 tab BD PC × 30 days
Translation: Tablet of Metformin, 500 milligrams. Take 1 tablet twice daily after meals for 30 days.
With Food vs. Empty Stomach
Take WITH food:
- NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
- Metformin
- Iron supplements
- Many antibiotics
Take on EMPTY stomach:
- Levothyroxine (thyroid medication)
- Some antibiotics (Azithromycin)
- Proton pump inhibitors (before meals)
Red Flags on Prescriptions
Contact your doctor or pharmacist if:
- The handwriting is completely illegible
- The dosage seems unusually high or low
- Instructions conflict with previous medications
- You're allergic to the prescribed medication
- The medication name is unclear
How Docsimus Helps
Upload a photo of your prescription and Docsimus will:
- Translate abbreviations instantly
- Explain what each medication is for
- Identify potential drug interactions
- Clarify proper dosing schedules
- Store your prescription history securely
Pro tip: Always take a photo of new prescriptions and store them digitally. This helps if you lose the paper copy and makes it easier to track your medications.