Pharmacy Technician Abbreviations Flashcards

Pharmacy Technician Abbreviations

• AAA means "apply to affected area," commonly used in topical medications.
• AC stands for "before meals," indicating the timing for medication administration.
• AD refers to "right ear," often used in prescriptions involving otic medications.
• AM denotes "morning," typically used to designate the time of dosage.
• APAP is the abbreviation for acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, a common pain reliever.
• AS means "left ear," used similarly to AD for prescriptions involving the left ear.
• ASA is shorthand for aspirin, a widely used medication for pain and inflammation.
• AU indicates "both ears" or "each ear," used for medications administered in both ears.
• BID signifies "twice daily," a dosing schedule for medications.
• Cap stands for "capsule," a common dosage form for medications.

Additional Abbreviations

• CSP means "compounded sterile preparation," referring to medications prepared under sterile conditions.
• DAW indicates "dispense as written," instructing pharmacies to provide the exact medication prescribed.
• DC means "discontinue," referring to stopping the use of a medication.
• DCA stands for "direct compounding area," a sterile area for medication preparation.
• disp is an abbreviation for "dispense," referring to giving out medications to patients.
• eMAR means "electronic medication administration record," a digital record-keeping system for medication administration.
• ER stands for "extended release," indicating a formulation designed to release medication over time.
• G refers to "gram," a unit of mass for measuring medications.
• gr denotes "grain," another unit of measurement in pharmacy, less commonly used today.
• gtt signifies "drop," often used in prescribing eye or ear drops.

Measurement and Dosage Forms

• hr means "hour," used to specify timing for medication administration.
• HC stands for "hydrocortisone," a steroid used to reduce inflammation.
• HCTZ refers to hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic commonly prescribed for hypertension.
• HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, protecting patient privacy.
• HS stands for "bedtime," indicating when a medication should be taken.
• IBU is shorthand for ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
• IM means "intramuscular," referring to a method of injection into muscle tissue.
• Inj stands for "injection," a route of administering medication.
• IV indicates "intravenous," a method of delivering medications directly into the bloodstream.
• kg refers to "kilogram," a unit of mass used in weight measurements.

Specifics on Medications

• L stands for "liter," a measurement for liquid medications.
• lb means "pound," another unit for weight.
• MAR signifies "medication administration record," a log for tracking administration.
• mcg denotes "microgram," a very small unit of weight often used in dosages.
• MDI is a "metered-dose inhaler," used for delivering medication to the lungs.
• MDV refers to a "multiple-dose vial," containing enough medication for more than one dose.
• mEq stands for "milliequivalent," a unit expressing the amount of substances in solutions.
• mg denotes "milligram," a common unit used for medication dosing.
• mL stands for "milliliter," a volume measurement in liquid formulations.
• MOM refers to "milk of magnesia," a laxative and antacid.

Administration Instructions

• MVI means "multiple vitamin injection," a formulation providing various vitamins.
• NDC stands for "National Drug Code," a unique identifier for medications.
• NPO means "nothing by mouth," a doctor's order for patients prior to surgery or tests.
• NR signifies "no refills," indicating a prescription cannot be refilled.
• NTG is the abbreviation for nitroglycerin, used to treat chest pain.
• OD denotes "right eye," used in prescriptions for ocular medications.
• ODT means "orally disintegrating tablet," which quickly dissolves in the mouth.
• OPTH is an abbreviation for "ophthalmic," referring to eye medications.
• OS signifies "left eye," similar to OD but for the left side.
• OTC stands for "over the counter," medications available without a prescription.

Further Indicators

• OU means "both eyes," used for medications applied to both eyes.
• oz refers to "ounce," a unit of volume.
• PC means "after meals," indicating when to take the medication.
• PCN stands for "penicillin," a commonly prescribed antibiotic.
• PHI indicates "protected health information," highlighting the importance of patient confidentiality.
• PM means "evening," often used for medications taken at night.
• PO stands for "by mouth," referring to oral administration of medication.
• PR means "per rectum," indicating a route of administration for some medications.
• PRN denotes "as needed," suggesting medication is taken only when necessary.
• PV means "per vagina," referring to vaginal administration of medication.

Dosing Frequencies

• Q stands for "every," commonly used in medication directives.
• QHour means "every hour," indicating frequent dosing.
• QA indicates "quality assurance," a process for maintaining standards in pharmacy.
• QAM stands for "every morning," specifying a time for medication administration.
• QD means "everyday," indicating daily dosing.
• QID refers to "four times daily," suggesting frequent dosing schedule.
• QOD means "every other day," a less frequent dosing recommendation.
• QPM means "every evening," indicating a nightly regimen.
• QS stands for "quantity sufficient," often used for extemporaneous compounding.
• QTY means "quantity," specifying how much medication to dispense.

Prescription Guidelines

• RX is shorthand for "prescription," a formal order for medication.
• sig means "direction," often seen in prescriptions detailing how a patient should take medication.
• SL denotes "sublingual," referring to medications that dissolve under the tongue.
• SMZ-TMP is the combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, commonly known as Bactrim, an antibiotic.
• SS signifies "half," often used to indicate a reduced dosage.
• Stat means "immediately," a directive for urgent medication administration.
• SQ stands for "subcutaneous," indicating a route for injections.
• SUPP refers to "suppository," a dosage form administered rectally or vaginally.
• Tab indicates "tablet," a common oral dosage form.
• TBSP denotes "tablespoon," a volume measurement often used in liquid medications.

Test your knowledge of pharmacy technician abbreviations with these flashcards. Each card presents a common abbreviation used in the field along with its definition, helping you prepare for the PTCB exam. This quiz covers vital terms essential for any aspiring pharmacy technician.