Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does 'AC' stand for?
What does 'AC' stand for?
What does 'AD' refer to?
What does 'AD' refer to?
What does 'AD LIB' mean?
What does 'AD LIB' mean?
What medication does 'APAP' refer to?
What medication does 'APAP' refer to?
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What does 'AS' denote?
What does 'AS' denote?
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Which medication is represented by 'ASA'?
Which medication is represented by 'ASA'?
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What does 'ATC' signify?
What does 'ATC' signify?
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What does 'AU' mean?
What does 'AU' mean?
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What does 'BID' indicate?
What does 'BID' indicate?
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What does 'D/C' stand for?
What does 'D/C' stand for?
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What does 'ER' signify in medication terms?
What does 'ER' signify in medication terms?
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What does 'NPO' mean in a medical context?
What does 'NPO' mean in a medical context?
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What does 'Rx' stand for?
What does 'Rx' stand for?
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What is represented by 'PRN'?
What is represented by 'PRN'?
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What does 'TCN' refer to?
What does 'TCN' refer to?
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Study Notes
Pharmacy Abbreviations and Sig Codes
- AC: Administer before meals to optimize absorption.
- AD: Indicates medication for the right ear.
- AD LIB: Allows patient to take medication as desired, providing flexibility.
- APAP: Common abbreviation for acetaminophen, a widely used pain reliever.
- AS: Refers to administration in the left ear.
- ASA: Stands for aspirin, used for pain relief and anti-inflammatory purposes.
- ATC: Refers to a dosing schedule of around-the-clock administration.
- AU: Used when medication is prescribed for both ears.
- AWP: Represents the average wholesale price of a medication.
- BID: Medication is taken twice a day for consistent levels in the body.
- C: Denotes "with" when indicating dosing instructions.
- CAP: Refers to a capsule dosage form.
- IR: Indicates an immediate-release formulation of medication.
- D/C: Abbreviation for discontinuing a medication or treatment.
- DAW: Requires that the prescribed medication be dispensed exactly as written, without substitutions.
- EC: Signifies that a medication is enteric-coated to prevent stomach irritation.
- ER: Denotes extended-release formulations that provide sustained effects over time.
- GM: Measure of weight equivalent to a gram.
- GR: Historical measure of weight, equivalent to a grain.
- GTT: Commonly refers to a drop, often in liquid medications.
- HCTZ: Abbreviation for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic medication.
- HR: Measurement unit for hour, common in dosing schedules.
- HS: Administered at bedtime for optimal effects or patient compliance.
- HX: Abbreviation for a patient's medical history.
- IM: Refers to intramuscular route of administration.
- IV: Denotes intravenous route, delivering medication directly into the bloodstream.
- IVP: Indicates an intravenous push, administering medication rapidly.
- IVPB: Refers to intravenous piggyback, a secondary infusion via IV.
- K: Represents potassium in medical prescriptions.
- KG: Measurement of weight, equivalent to a kilogram (1,000 grams).
- MCG: Denotes microgram, a measurement of weight used in dosing.
- MDI: Metered dose inhaler used for delivering inhaled medication.
- MG: Abbreviation for milligram, commonly used in dosage specifications.
- ML: Measurement unit for milliliters, a volume measure.
- N/V: Indicates symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
- NKA: Stands for no known allergies in patient profiles.
- NKDA: Indicates no known drug allergies, crucial for safe prescribing.
- NPO: Denotes "nothing by mouth," often before surgical procedures.
- NTG: Short for nitroglycerin, used for angina and heart conditions.
- OD: Refers to the right eye when prescribing drops or medications.
- OS: Refers to the left eye, for any ocular medication.
- OTC: Medications that are available over-the-counter without a prescription.
- OU: Indicates treatment for both eyes.
- P: Denotes "after" when noted in prescription instructions.
- PC: Refers to "after meals," directing dosing post-mealtime.
- PCN: Common abbreviation for penicillin, an antibiotic.
- PM: Refers to the afternoon and evening dosing period.
- PO: Directs administration of medication by mouth.
- PRN: Indicates medication taken as needed, allowing for patient discretion.
- Q: Represents "every" in scheduling, as in every hour or every day.
- Q4H: Means medication is to be taken every four hours.
- QAM: Every morning dosing schedule to maintain routine.
- QD: Indicates once daily administration for simplicity.
- QH: Means every hour, ensuring frequent dosing.
- QID: Medications prescribed to be taken four times a day.
- QOD: Refers to dosing every other day, providing rest periods.
- QPM: Directs medication to be taken every night.
- QS: Indicates quantity sufficient, enough to meet the needs.
- QW: Refers to weekly dosing schedules.
- R or PR: Refers to rectal administration for certain medications.
- Rx: Represents a medical prescription, critical for dispensing.
- W/O: Stands for without; often used in dietary instructions.
- SC: Refers to subcutaneous administration of medication.
- SL: Denotes sublingual administration, under the tongue.
- SS: Represents half, often in dosing instructions.
- STAT: Indicates immediate action or administration required.
- SUPP: Represents suppository form of medications.
- TPN: Refers to total parenteral nutrition, providing nutrients intravenously.
- PA: Stands for prior authorization, needed for certain medications.
- TBSP: Abbreviation for tablespoon, a measure of volume.
- TCN: Refers to tetracycline, an antibiotic.
- TID: Medication is taken three times a day to manage conditions.
- TSP: Abbreviation for teaspoon, another measure of volume.
- U: Represents unit, a measure of dosage.
- UD: Denotes "as directed," giving flexibility in administration.
- UNG: Indicates ointment form of medication for topical applications.
- URI: Acronym for upper respiratory infection.
- UTI: Stands for urinary tract infection, common in clinical scenarios.
- V or PV: Refers to vaginal administration of medication.
- DNE: Stands for do not exceed, important for safety in dosing.
- PSE: Abbreviation for pseudoephedrine, a common decongestant.
- NTE: Indicates not to exceed a specified dose for safety.
- U&C: Stands for usual and customary pricing.
- WA: Indicates medication should be taken while awake.
- SOB: Acronym for short of breath, a key symptom in respiratory conditions.
- CHF: Stands for congestive heart failure, a significant health condition.
- COPD: Represents chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a common lung issue.
- HBP: Refers to high blood pressure, a prevalent health concern.
- ACHS: Medication schedule to be taken with meals and at bedtime for optimal management.
- BP: Abbreviation for blood pressure, a vital sign in health assessments.
- BM: Represents bowel movement, an important indicator of digestive health.
- TEMP: Represents temperature, key for assessing health status.
- AAA: Indicates application to affected area, common in topical treatments.
- DUR: Stands for drug utilization review, ensuring safe and appropriate medication use.
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Test your knowledge of common pharmacy abbreviations and sig codes with these flashcards. Each card presents a term and its definition, helping enhance your understanding of pharmaceutical language essential for practice. Perfect for pharmacy students and professionals alike.
