Questions and Answers
What does 'AC' stand for?
What does 'AD' refer to?
What does 'AD LIB' mean?
What medication does 'APAP' refer to?
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What does 'AS' denote?
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Which medication is represented by 'ASA'?
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What does 'ATC' signify?
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What does 'AU' mean?
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What does 'BID' indicate?
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What does 'D/C' stand for?
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What does 'ER' signify in medication terms?
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What does 'NPO' mean in a medical context?
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What does 'Rx' stand for?
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What is represented by 'PRN'?
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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.
