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{{Short description|none}}
{{Short description|none}}


This is a '''list of abbreviations used in [[medical prescription]]s, including hospital orders''' (the patient-directed part of which is referred to as '''sig codes'''). This list does not include abbreviations for pharmaceuticals or drug name suffixes such as CD, CR, ER, XT (See ''{{section link|Time release technology|List of abbreviations}}'' for those).
This is a '''list of abbreviations used in medical prescriptions''', including hospital orders (the patient-directed part of which is referred to as '''sig codes'''). This list does not include abbreviations for pharmaceuticals or drug name suffixes such as CD, CR, ER, XT (See ''{{section link|Time release technology|List of abbreviations}}'' for those).


[[Letter case|Capitalisation]] and the use of [[full stop|full stops]] are a matter of [[style guide|style]]. In the list, abbreviations in English are capitalized whereas those in Latin are not.
[[Letter case|Capitalisation]] and the use of [[full stop]]s are a matter of [[style guide|style]]. In the list, abbreviations in English are capitalized whereas those in Latin are not.


These abbreviations can be verified in [[reference work]]s, both recent
These abbreviations can be verified in [[reference work]]s, both recent
Line 12: Line 12:
Some of these are obsolete; others remain current.
Some of these are obsolete; others remain current.


There is a risk of serious consequences when abbreviations are misread or misinterpreted. In the United Kingdom, all prescriptions should be in English without abbreviation (apart from some units such as mg and mL; micrograms and nanograms should ''not'' be abbreviated).<ref name="BNF prescription writing">{{cite web |title=Presciption writing |url=https://bnf.nice.org.uk/medicines-guidance/prescription-writing/ |website=NICE, BNF |publisher=National Institute for Clinical Excellence |access-date=27 December 2022 |location=Applies in England. (Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all share guidance originating in an earlier UK-wide editions of BNF that pre-dated devolution of healthcare)}}</ref> In the United States, abbreviations which are [[deprecation|deprecated]] by the [[Joint Commission]] are marked in red; those abbreviations which are deprecated by other organizations, such as the [[Patient safety organization#Institute for Safe Medication Practices|Institute for Safe Medication Practices]] (ISMP) and the [[American Medical Association]] (AMA), are marked in orange.
There is a risk of serious consequences when abbreviations are misread or misinterpreted. In the United Kingdom, all prescriptions should be in English without abbreviation (apart from some units such as mg and mL; micrograms and nanograms should ''not'' be abbreviated).<ref name="BNF prescription writing">{{cite web |title=Prescription writing |url=https://bnf.nice.org.uk/medicines-guidance/prescription-writing/ |website=NICE, BNF |publisher=National Institute for Clinical Excellence |access-date=27 December 2022 |location=Applies in England. (Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all share guidance originating in earlier UK-wide editions of BNF that pre-dated devolution of healthcare)}}</ref> In the United States, abbreviations which are [[deprecation|deprecated]] by the [[Joint Commission]] are marked in red; those abbreviations which are deprecated by other organizations, such as the [[Patient safety organization#Institute for Safe Medication Practices|Institute for Safe Medication Practices]] (ISMP) and the [[American Medical Association]] (AMA), are marked in orange.


The Joint Commission is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization which offers [[accreditation]] to hospitals and other health care organizations in the United States. While their recommendations are not binding on U.S. physicians, they are required of organizations who wish accreditation by the Joint Commission.
The Joint Commission is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization which offers [[accreditation]] to hospitals and other health care organizations in the United States. While their recommendations are not binding on U.S. physicians, they are required of organizations who wish accreditation by the Joint Commission.
Line 23: Line 23:
|+'''Key'''
|+'''Key'''
|- style="background: #FF6666"
|- style="background: #FF6666"
| Not recommended for use in the [[United States]] by the [[Joint Commission]]<ref>{{cite web|title=The Official "Do Not Use" List of Abbreviations |url=http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/Do_Not_Use_List.pdf |publisher=The Joint Commission |access-date=23 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310233725/http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/Do_Not_Use_List.pdf |archive-date=10 March 2013 }}</ref>
| Not recommended for use in the United States by the [[Joint Commission]]<ref>{{cite web|title=The Official "Do Not Use" List of Abbreviations |url=http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/Do_Not_Use_List.pdf |publisher=The Joint Commission |access-date=23 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310233725/http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/Do_Not_Use_List.pdf |archive-date=10 March 2013 }}</ref>
|- style="background: #FFA64D"
|- style="background: #FFA64D"
| Not recommended for use by other organizations, such as the ISMP ([[Patient safety organization#Institute for Safe Medication Practices|Institute for Safe Medication Practices]])<ref>{{cite web|title=ISMP's List of Error Prone Abbreviations, Symbols, and Dose Designations|url=http://www.ismp.org/tools/errorproneabbreviations.pdf|publisher=[[Patient safety organization#Institute for Safe Medication Practices|Institute for Safe Medication Practices]]|access-date=11 February 2011}}</ref>)
| Not recommended for use by other organizations, such as the ISMP ([[Patient safety organization#Institute for Safe Medication Practices|Institute for Safe Medication Practices]])<ref>{{cite web|title=ISMP's List of Error Prone Abbreviations, Symbols, and Dose Designations|url=http://www.ismp.org/tools/errorproneabbreviations.pdf|publisher=[[Patient safety organization#Institute for Safe Medication Practices|Institute for Safe Medication Practices]]|access-date=11 February 2011}}</ref>)
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|-
|-
! Abbreviation or symbol
! Abbreviation or symbol
! [[Classical Latin|Latin]], [[Ancient Greek|Greek]], or [[New Latin]]
! [[Classical Latin|Latin]], [[Ancient Greek|Greek]], or [[Neo-Latin]]
! [[English language|English]]
! English
! Possible confusion
! Possible confusion
|-
|-
Line 46: Line 46:
|-
|-
| a.c.
| a.c.
| ante cibum
| ''ante cibum''
| before meals
| before meals
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| a.c.h.s., ac&hs
| a.c.h.s., ac&hs
| ante cibum et hora somni
| ''ante cibum et hora somni''
| before meals and at bedtime
| before meals and at bedtime
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| a.d.
| a.d.
| auris dextra
| ''auris dextra''
| right ear
| right ear
| A [[A#Typographic variants|single-storey]] "a" can be mistaken as an "o" which could read "o.d.", meaning right eye
| a [[A#Typographic variants|single-storey]] ''a'' can be mistaken as an ''o'' which could read "o.d.", meaning right eye
|-
|-
| ad., add.
| ad., add.
| adde <br /> addatur
| ''adde'' <br /> ''addatur''
| add <br /> let there be added
| add <br /> let there be added
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| ad lib.
| ad lib.
| [[ad libitum]]
| ''[[ad libitum]]''
| Latin, "[[ad libitum|at one's pleasure]]"; as much as one desires; freely
| Latin, "at one's pleasure"; as much as one desires; freely
| Compare [[pro re nata]], "as needed", which by convention includes an aspect of "up to some maximum". Similarly, compare [[#si opus sit|s.o.s.]], [[#quantum libet|q.l.]], and [[#quantum sufficiat|q.s.]]
| compare ''[[pro re nata]]'', "as needed", which by convention includes an aspect of "up to some maximum". Similarly, compare [[#si opus sit|s.o.s.]], [[#quantum libet|q.l.]], and [[#quantum sufficiat|q.s.]]
|-
|-
| admov.
| admov.
| admove <br /> admoveatur
| ''admove'' <br /> ''admoveatur''
| apply [or] add <br /> add; let there be added
| apply [or] add <br /> add; let there be added
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| ad us.
| ad us.
| ad usum
| ''ad usum''
| according to custom
| according to custom
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| æq.
| æq.
| æquales
| ''æquales''
| equal
| equal
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| agit.
| agit.
| agita
| ''agita''
| [[agitator (device)|agitate]] (stir or shake)
| [[agitator (device)|agitate]] (stir or shake)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| alt. d., alt. dieb.
| alt. d., alt. dieb.
| alternis diebus
| ''alternis diebus''
| every other day; on alternate days
| every other day; on alternate days
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| alt. h., alt. hor.
| alt. h., alt. hor.
| alternis horis
| ''alternis horis''
| every other hour; at alternate hours
| every other hour; at alternate hours
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| a.m.
| a.m.
| [[12-hour clock|ante meridiem]]
| ''[[12-hour clock|ante meridiem]]''
| morning, before noon
| morning, before noon
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| amp.
| amp.
| ampulla
| ''ampulla''
| [[ampoule|ampule]] (ampul, ampoule)
| [[ampoule|ampule]] (ampul, ampoule)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
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| aq.
| aq.
| aqua
| aqua
| [[water]]
| water
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| aq. bull.
| aq. bull.
| aqua bulliens
| ''aqua bulliens''
| [[boiling]] water
| boiling water
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| aq. com.
| aq. com.
| aqua communis
| ''aqua communis''
| [[tap water|common water]]
| common water
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| aq. dest.
| aq. dest.
| aqua destillata
| ''aqua destillata''
| [[distilled water]]
| [[distilled water]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| aq. ferv.
| aq. ferv.
| aqua fervens
| ''aqua fervens''
| hot water
| hot water
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| a.l., a.s.
| a.l., a.s.
| auris laeva, auris sinistra
| ''auris laeva'', ''auris sinistra''
| left ear
| left ear
| "a" can be mistaken as an "o" which could read "o.s." or "o.l", meaning left eye
| ''a'' can be mistaken as an ''o'' which could read "o.s." or "o.l", meaning left eye
|-
|-
| ATC
| ATC
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|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| a.u.
| a.u.
| auris utraque
| ''auris utraque''
| both ears
| both ears
| "a" can be mistaken as an "o" which could read "o.u.", meaning both eyes
| ''a'' can be mistaken as an ''o'' which could read "o.u.", meaning both eyes
|-
|-
| BDS, b.d.s.
| BDS, b.d.s.
| bis die sumendum
| ''bis die sumendum''
| twice daily
| twice daily
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| bib.
| bib.
| bibe
| ''bibe''
| drink
| drink
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| bis
| bis
| bis
| ''bis''
| twice
| twice
|
|
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| {{Anchor|bis in die}}b.i.d., b.d. <!-- {{Anchor|bis in die}} is to allow linking from another article. Please do not remove. -->
| {{Anchor|bis in die}}b.i.d., b.d. <!-- {{Anchor|bis in die}} is to allow linking from another article. Please do not remove. -->
| bis in die
| ''bis in die''
| twice daily
| twice daily
| [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "twice a day")
| [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "twice a day")
|-
|-
| bis ind.
| bis ind.
| bis indies
| ''bis indies''
| twice a day
| twice a day
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| bis in 7 d.
| bis in 7 d.
| bis in septem diebus
| ''bis in septem diebus''
| twice a week
| twice a week
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 188: Line 188:
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
| [[human feces|bowel movement]]
| [[human feces|bowel movement]]
| Commonly used in the United Kingdom when discussing blood sugar. From ''BM Stix'' – the measurement sticks used for calculating blood sugar; BM being an abbreviation of Boehringer Mannheim. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/help-bm-problems.74838/|title = HELP BM Problems}}</ref>
| commonly used in the United Kingdom when discussing blood sugar. From ''BM Stix'' – the measurement sticks used for calculating blood sugar; BM being an abbreviation of Boehringer Mannheim.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/help-bm-problems.74838/|title = HELP BM Problems}}</ref>
|-
|-
| BNF
| BNF
Line 196: Line 196:
|-
|-
| bol.
| bol.
| [[Bolus (medicine)|bolus]]
| ''[[Bolus (medicine)|bolus]]''
| as a large single dose (usually [[intravenous therapy|intravenously]])
| as a large single dose (usually [[intravenous therapy|intravenously]])
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| BP, Ph.Br.
| BP, Ph.Br.
| Pharmacopoeia Britannica
| ''Pharmacopoeia Britannica''
| [[British Pharmacopoeia]]
| ''[[British Pharmacopoeia]]''
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
Line 221: Line 221:
|-
|-
| bucc.
| bucc.
| bucca
| ''bucca''
| [[buccal administration|buccal]] (inside [[cheek]])
| ''[[buccal administration|buccal]]'' (inside [[cheek]])
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| cap., caps.
| cap., caps.
| capsula
| ''capsula''
| [[capsule (pharmacy)|capsule]]
| [[capsule (pharmacy)|capsule]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| cap.
| cap.
| capiat
| ''capiat''
| let him take (let the patient take)
| let him take (let the patient take)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| c.m.
| c.m.
| cras mane
| ''cras mane''
| tomorrow morning
| tomorrow morning
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| c.m.s.
| c.m.s.
| cras mane sumendus
| ''cras mane sumendus''
| to be taken tomorrow morning
| to be taken tomorrow morning
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| c̄, c.
| c̄, c.
| cum
| ''cum''
| with (usually written with a bar on top of the "c")
| with (usually written with a bar on top of the ''c'')
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| cib.
| cib.
| cibus
| ''cibus''
| food
| food
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| {{Anchor|cc}}c.c. <!-- {{Anchor|cc}} is to allow linking from another article. Please do not remove. -->
| {{Anchor|cc}}c.c. <!-- {{Anchor|cc}} is to allow linking from another article. Please do not remove. -->
| cum cibo
| ''cum cibo''
| with food [or] <br /> [[cubic centimetre]]
| with food [or] <br /> [[cubic centimetre]]
| mistaken for "U", meaning units; also has an ambiguous meaning; use "mL" or "milliliters" (1&nbsp;cm<sup>3</sup> = 1 mL)
| mistaken for ''U'', meaning units; also has an ambiguous meaning; use "mL" or "millilitres" (1&nbsp;cm<sup>3</sup> = 1 mL)
|-
|-
| cf.
| cf.
Line 266: Line 266:
|-
|-
| c.n.
| c.n.
| cras nocte
| ''cras nocte''
| tomorrow night
| tomorrow night
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| cochl.
| cochl.
| cochleare
| ''cochleare''
| spoonful
| [[spoon]]ful
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| cochl. ampl.
| cochl. ampl.
| cochleare amplum
| ''cochleare amplum''
| an ample spoonful (a [[tablespoon]]ful)
| an ample spoonful (a tablespoonful)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| cochl. infant.
| cochl. infant.
| cochleare infantis
| ''cochleare infantis''
| a small spoonful (a [[teaspoon]]ful)
| a small spoonful (a teaspoonful)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| cochl. mag.
| cochl. mag.
| cochleare magnum
| ''cochleare magnum''
| a large spoonful (a [[tablespoon]]ful)
| a large spoonful (a tablespoonful)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| cochl. mod.
| cochl. mod.
| cochleare modicum
| ''cochleare modicum''
| a modest spoonful (a [[dessert spoon|dessert-spoonful]])
| a modest spoonful (a dessert-spoonful)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| cochl. parv.
| cochl. parv.
| cochleare parvum
| ''cochleare parvum''
| a scant spoonful (a [[teaspoon]]ful)
| a scant spoonful (a teaspoonful)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| colet.
| colet.
| coletur
| ''coletur''
| let it be [[sieve|strained]]
| let it be [[sieve|strained]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| comp.
| comp.
| compositus
| ''compositus''
| compound
| compound
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| contin.
| contin.
| continuetur
| ''continuetur''
| let it be continued
| let it be continued
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| cpt.
| cpt.
| capiat
| ''capiat''
| let him take (let the patient take)
| let him take (let the patient take)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 331: Line 331:
|-
|-
| cuj.
| cuj.
| cujus
| ''cujus''
| of which
| of which
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| c.v.
| c.v.
| cras vespere
| ''cras vespere''
| tomorrow evening
| tomorrow evening
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| cyath.
| cyath.
| cyathus
| ''cyathus''
| a [[list of glassware|glassful]]
| a glassful
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| cyath. vinos.
| cyath. vinos.
| cyathus vinosus
| ''cyathus vinosus''
| a [[wine glass|wine-glassful]]
| a wine-glassful
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| D, d.
| D, d.
| die [or] <br /> dosis
| ''die'' [or] <br /> ''dosis''
| [[day]]s [or] <br /> [[Effective dose (pharmacology)|doses]]
| days [or] <br /> [[Effective dose (pharmacology)|doses]]
| ambiguous meaning, write out "days" or "doses"
| ambiguous meaning, write out "days" or "doses"
|-
|-
Line 367: Line 367:
| D5W, D<sub>5</sub>W
| D5W, D<sub>5</sub>W
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
| [[glucose|dextrose]] 5% in [[distilled water|water]] ([[intravenous sugar solution]])
| [[glucose|dextrose]] 5% in water ([[intravenous sugar solution]])
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| D10W, D<sub>10</sub>W
| D10W, D<sub>10</sub>W
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
| [[glucose|dextrose]] 10% in [[distilled water|water]] ([[intravenous sugar solution]])
| [[glucose|dextrose]] 10% in water ([[intravenous sugar solution]])
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| da
| da
| da
| ''da''
| give
| give
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 391: Line 391:
|-
|-
| decoct.
| decoct.
| decoctum
| ''decoctum''
| [[decoction]]
| [[decoction]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| det.
| det.
| detur
| ''detur''
| let it be given
| let it be given
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| dieb. alt.
| dieb. alt.
| diebus alternis
| ''diebus alternis''
| every other day; on alternate days
| every other day; on alternate days
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 411: Line 411:
|-
|-
| dim.
| dim.
| dimidius
| ''dimidius''
| one-half
| one-half
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| d. in p. æ.
| d. in p. æ.
| divide in partes æquales
| divide in ''partes æquales''
| divide into equal parts
| divide into equal parts
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 441: Line 441:
|-
|-
| d.t.d.
| d.t.d.
| dentur tales doses
| ''dentur tales doses''
| give of such doses
| give of such doses
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 452: Line 452:
| DW
| DW
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
| [[distilled water]] [or] <br /> [[dextrose]] in [[distilled water|water]] ([[intravenous sugar solution]])
| distilled water [or] <br /> [[dextrose]] in water ([[intravenous sugar solution]])
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| elix.
| elix.
| elixir
| ''elixir''
| [[elixir]]
| [[elixir]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| e.m.p.
| e.m.p.
| ex modo prescripto
| ''ex modo prescripto''
| as directed (in the manner prescribed)
| as directed (in the manner prescribed)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| emuls.
| emuls.
| emulsum
| ''emulsum''
| [[emulsion]]
| [[emulsion]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| et
| ''et''
| et
| ''et''
| and
| and
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 481: Line 481:
|-
|-
| ex aq.
| ex aq.
| ex aqua
| ''ex aqua''
| in water; with water
| in water; with water
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| exhib.
| exhib.
| exhibiatur
| ''exhibiatur''
| let it be given
| let it be given
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| f.
| f.
| fiat
| ''fiat''
| make; let it be made
| make; let it be made
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| f.h.
| f.h.
| fiat haustus
| ''fiat haustus''
| make a draught
| make a draught
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| fl., fld.
| fl., fld.
| fluidus
| ''fluidus''
| [[fluid]] (usually meaning specifically [[liquid]] in health care)
| fluid (usually meaning specifically liquid in health care)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| f.m.
| f.m.
| fiat mistura
| ''fiat mistura''
| make a mixture
| make a mixture
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| f. pil.
| f. pil.
| fiat pilula
| ''fiat pilula''
| make a [[tablet (pharmacy)|pill]]
| make a [[tablet (pharmacy)|pill]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| f.s.a.
| f.s.a.
| fiat secundum artem
| ''fiat secundum artem''
| make according to art
| make according to art
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| ft.
| ft.
| fiat
| ''fiat''
| make; let it be made
| make; let it be made
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 531: Line 531:
|-
|-
| garg.
| garg.
| gargarisma
| ''gargarisma''
| [[mouthwash|gargle]]
| gargle
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| gr.
| gr.
| granum
| ''granum''
| [[grain (unit)|grain]]
| [[grain (unit)|grain]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| gtt(s)
| gtt(s)
| gutta(e)
| ''gutta''(e)
| drop(s)
| drop(s)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-'
| gutt.
| gutt.
| gutta(e)
| ''gutta''(e)
| drop(s)
| drop(s)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 556: Line 556:
|-
|-
| h, hr, hor.
| h, hr, hor.
| hora
| ''hora''
| [[hour]]
| hour
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| habt.
| habt.
| habeat
| ''habeat''
| let him have
| let him have
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| hor. alt.
| hor. alt.
| hora alternis
| ''hora alternis''
| every other hour (every second hour; at alternate hours)
| every other hour (every second hour; at alternate hours)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| hor. decub.
| hor. decub.
| hora decubitus
| ''hora decubitus''
| at bedtime
| at bedtime
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| hor. intermed.
| hor. intermed.
| horis intermediis
| ''horis intermediis''
| at intermediate hours
| at intermediate hours
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| hor. tert.
| hor. tert.
| horis tertiis
| ''horis tertiis''
| every third hour
| every third hour
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| h.s.
| h.s.
| hora somni (at the hour of sleep)
| ''hora somni'' (at the hour of sleep)
| at bedtime [or] <br /> half-strength
| at bedtime [or] <br /> half-strength
| ambiguous (2 meanings, easily conflated); spell out
| ambiguous (2 meanings, easily conflated); spell out
Line 601: Line 601:
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| IJ, inj.
| IJ, inj.
| injectio
| ''injectio''
| [[injection (medicine)|injection]]
| [[injection (medicine)|injection]]
| mistaken for "IV", meaning intravenously
| mistaken for "IV", meaning intravenously
Line 616: Line 616:
|-
|-
| ind.
| ind.
| indies
| ''indies''
| daily
| daily
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| inf.
| inf.
| infusum
| ''infusum''
| [[infusion|infusion (extraction)]] / [[intravenous infusion]]
| [[infusion|infusion (extraction)]] / [[intravenous infusion]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| i
| i
| unus tabuletta
| ''unus tabuletta''
| one [[Tablet (pharmacy)|tablet]]
| one [[Tablet (pharmacy)|tablet]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| ii
| ii
| duo tabuletta
| ''duo tabuletta''
| two [[Tablet (pharmacy)|tablets]]
| two [[Tablet (pharmacy)|tablets]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| iii
| iii
| tres tabuletta
| ''tres tabuletta''
| three [[Tablet (pharmacy)|tablets]]
| three [[Tablet (pharmacy)|tablets]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 642: Line 642:
|IO
|IO
|
|
|''intraosseous''
|intraossseous
|
|
|-
|-
Line 686: Line 686:
|-
|-
| lat. dol.
| lat. dol.
| lateri dolenti
| ''lateri dolenti''
| to the painful side
| to the painful side
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| lb.
| lb.
| libra
| ''libra''
| [[pound (mass)|pound]]
| [[pound (mass)|pound]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| l.c.d.
| l.c.d.
| liquor carbonis detergens
| ''liquor carbonis detergens''
| [[coal tar|coal tar solution]]
| [[coal tar|coal tar solution]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| lin
| lin
| linimentum
| ''linimentum''
| [[liniment]]
| [[liniment]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| liq.
| liq.
| liquor
| ''liquor''
| [[Solution (chemistry)|solution]]
| [[Solution (chemistry)|solution]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| lot.
| lot.
| lotio
| ''lotio''
| [[lotion]]
| [[lotion]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| M., m.
| M., m.
| misce
| ''misce''
| mix
| mix
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
⚫
| M., m., mit., mitt.
⚫
| mane
⚫
| ''mitte''
⚫
| mane
⚫
| send or dispense, e.g. number of tablets provided
| Can be confused with m,. ''misce'', context-dependent
⚫
|-
⚫
| ''mane''
⚫
| ''mane''
| in the morning
| in the morning
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 733: Line 738:
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
| [[microgram]]
| [[microgram]]
| Recommended replacement for "μg" which may be confused with "mg"
| recommended replacement for "μg" which may be confused with "mg"
|-
|-
| mdi
| mdi
Line 741: Line 746:
|-
|-
| m.d.u.
| m.d.u.
| more dicto utendus
| ''more dicto utendus''
| to be used as directed
| to be used as directed
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 765: Line 770:
| may be confused with "MSO4", spell out "magnesium sulfate"
| may be confused with "MSO4", spell out "magnesium sulfate"
|-
|-
| midi
| ''midi''
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
| at midday
| at midday
Line 771: Line 776:
|-
|-
| min.
| min.
| [[maxima and minima|minimum]] [or] <br /> [[minim (unit)|minim]] [or] <br /> minutum
| [[maxima and minima|minimum]] [or] <br /> [[minim (unit)|minim]] [or] <br /> ''minutum''
| [[maxima and minima|minimum]] [or] <br /> [[minim (unit)|minim]] [or] <br /> [[minute]]
| minimum [or] <br /> minim [or] <br /> minute
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| mist.
| mist.
| mistura
| ''mistura''
| [[mixture]]
| [[mixture]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
⚫
|-
⚫
| mit., mitt.
⚫
| mitte
⚫
| number of tablets provided
|
|-
|-
| mL
| mL
Line 791: Line 791:
|-
|-
| mod. præscript.
| mod. præscript.
| modo præscripto
| ''modo præscripto''
| in the manner directed
| in the manner directed
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 806: Line 806:
|-
|-
| nebul, neb.
| nebul, neb.
| nebula
| ''nebula''
| a [[spray (liquid drop)|spray]] (such as for [[insufflation (medicine)|insufflation]])- nebulizer
| a [[spray (liquid drop)|spray]] (such as for [[insufflation (medicine)|insufflation]])- nebulizer
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 816: Line 816:
|-
|-
| noct.
| noct.
| nocte
| ''nocte''
| at night
| at night
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| non rep.
| non rep.
| non repetatur
| ''non repetatur''
| no repeats (no refills)
| no repeats (no refills)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| NPO, n.p.o.
| NPO, n.p.o.
| [[nil per os]]
| ''[[nil per os]]''
| nothing by mouth
| nothing by mouth
| [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "nothing by mouth")
| [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "nothing by mouth")
Line 851: Line 851:
|-
|-
| o.d.
| o.d.
| omni die
| ''omni die''
| every day (once daily) (preferred to "qd" in the UK<ref>BNF ([http://www.bnf.org/ British National Formulary]) – published twice yearly by the British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain</ref>)
| every day (once daily) (preferred to "qd" in the UK<ref>BNF (British National Formulary) – published twice yearly by the British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain</ref>)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| o.d.
| o.d.
| oculus dexter
| ''oculus dexter''
| right eye
| right eye
| "o" can be mistaken as an "a" which could read "a.d.", meaning right ear, confusion with "omni die"
| ''o'' can be mistaken as an ''a'' which could read "a.d.", meaning right ear, confusion with "''omni die''"
|-
|-
| o.m.
| o.m.
| omni mane
| ''omni mane''
| every morning
| every morning
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| omn. bih.
| omn. bih.
| omni bihora
| ''omni bihora''
| every 2 hours
| every 2 hours
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| omn. hor.
| omn. hor.
| omni hora
| ''omni hora''
| every hour
| every hour
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| o.n.
| o.n.
| omni nocte
| ''omni nocte''
| every night
| every night
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 886: Line 886:
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| o.s.
| o.s.
| oculus sinister
| ''oculus sinister''
| left eye
| left eye
| "o" can be mistaken as an "a" which could read "a.s.", meaning left ear
| ''o'' can be mistaken as an ''a'' which could read "a.s.", meaning left ear
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| o.u.
| o.u.
| oculus uterque
| ''oculus uterque''
| both eyes
| both eyes
| "o" can be mistaken as an "a" which could read "a.u.", meaning both ears
| ''o'' can be mistaken as an ''a'' which could read "a.u.", meaning both ears
|-
|-
| oz
| oz
Line 901: Line 901:
|-
|-
| p.
| p.
| perstetur
| ''perstetur''
| continue
| continue
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| part. æq.
| part. æq.
| partes æquales
| ''partes æquales''
| equal parts
| equal parts
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| per
| ''per''
| per
| ''per''
| by or through
| by or through
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| p.c.
| p.c.
| post cibum
| ''post cibum''
| after meals
| after meals
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| p.c.h.s., pc&hs
| p.c.h.s., pc&hs
| post cibum et hora somni
| ''post cibum et hora somni''
| after meals and at bedtime
| after meals and at bedtime
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| Ph.Br., BP
| Ph.Br., BP
| Pharmacopoeia Britannica
| ''Pharmacopoeia Britannica''
| [[British Pharmacopoeia]]
| ''[[British Pharmacopoeia]]''
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| Ph.Eur.
| Ph.Eur.
| Pharmacopoeia Europaea
| ''Pharmacopoeia Europaea''
| [[European Pharmacopoeia]]
| ''[[European Pharmacopoeia]]''
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| Ph.Int.
| Ph.Int.
| Pharmacopoeia Internationalis
| ''Pharmacopoeia Internationalis''
| [[The International Pharmacopoeia|International Pharmacopoeia]]
| ''[[The International Pharmacopoeia|International Pharmacopoeia]]''
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| pig./pigm.
| pig./pigm.
| pigmentum
| ''pigmentum''
| paint
| paint
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| p.m.
| p.m.
| [[12-hour clock|post meridiem]]
| ''[[12-hour clock|post meridiem]]''
| evening or afternoon
| evening or afternoon
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| p.o.
| p.o.
| [[per os]]
| ''[[per os]]''
| by mouth ''or'' orally
| by mouth ''or'' orally
| [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "orally")
| [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "orally")
|-
|-
| ppt.
| ppt.
| præparata
| ''præparata''
| prepared
| prepared
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| p.r., PR
| p.r., PR
| per rectum
| ''per rectum''
| [[rectal administration|rectally]]
| [[rectal administration|rectally]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| p.r.n., PRN
| p.r.n., PRN
| [[pro re nata]]
| ''[[pro re nata]]''
| as needed
| as needed
| PRN is [[pertactin]], a virulence factor of the bacterium that causes [[pertussis]]
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| pt.
| pt.
| perstetur
| ''perstetur''
| continue
| continue
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| pulv.
| pulv.
| pulvis
| ''pulvis''
| [[powder (substance)|powder]]
| [[powder (substance)|powder]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| p.v., PV
| p.v., PV
| per vaginam
| ''per vaginam''
| [[route of administration|vaginally]]
| [[route of administration|vaginally]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| q
| q
| quaque
| ''quaque''
| every, per
| every, per
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| q.1 h, q.1°
| q.1 h, q.1°
| quaque 1 hora
| ''quaque'' 1 ''hora''
| every 1 hour (can replace "1" with other numbers)
| every 1 hour (can replace ''1'' with other numbers)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| q4PM
| q4PM
|
|
| at 4 pm (can replace "4" with other numbers)
| at 4:00 pm (can replace ''4'' with other numbers)
| mistaken to mean every 4 hours
| mistaken to mean every 4 hours
|-
|-
| q.a.d.
| q.a.d.
| quaque alternis die
| ''quaque alternis die''
| every other day
| every other day
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| q.a.m.
| q.a.m.
| quaque die ante meridiem
| ''quaque die ante meridiem''
| every morning (every day before noon)
| every morning (every day before noon)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| q.d./q.1.d.
| q.d./q.1.d.
| quaque die
| ''quaque die''
| every day
| every day
| mistaken for "QOD" or "qds," spell out "every day" or "daily". [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "every day")
| mistaken for "QOD" or "qds," spell out "every day" or "daily". [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "every day")
|-
|-
| q.d.a.m.
| q.d.a.m.
| quaque die ante meridiem
| ''quaque die ante meridiem''
| once daily in the morning
| once daily in the morning
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| q.d.p.m.
| q.d.p.m.
| quaque die post meridiem
| ''quaque die post meridiem''
| once daily in the evening
| once daily in the evening
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| q.d.s.
| q.d.s.
| quater die sumendus
| ''quater die sumendus''
| 4 times a day
| 4 times a day
| can be mistaken for "qd" (every day)
| can be mistaken for "qd" (every day)
|-
|-
| q.p.m.
| q.p.m.
| quaque die post meridiem
| ''quaque die post meridiem''
| every evening (every day after noon)
| every evening (every day after noon)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| q.h.
| q.h.
| quaque hora
| ''quaque hora''
| every hour
| every hour
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| q.h.s.
| q.h.s.
| quaque hora somni
| ''quaque hora somni''
| every night at bedtime
| every night at bedtime
| can be mistaken as "q.h.r." (every hour)
| can be mistaken as "q.h.r." (every hour)
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| q.i.d.
| q.i.d.
| quater in die
| ''quater in die''
| 4 times a day
| 4 times a day
| can be mistaken for "qd" or "qod," write out "4 times a day". [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "4 times a day")
| can be mistaken for "qd" or "qod," write out "4 times a day". [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "4 times a day")
|-
|-
| {{Anchor|quantum_libet}} q.l.
| {{Anchor|quantum_libet}} q.l.
| quantum libet
| ''quantum libet''
| as much as is requisite
| as much as is requisite
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| q.n.
| q.n.
| quaque nocte
| ''quaque nocte''
| every night
| every night
| can be mistaken as "q.h." (every hour)
| can be mistaken as "q.h." (every hour)
|- scope="row" style="background: #FF6666"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FF6666"
| q.o.d.
| q.o.d.
| quaque altera die
| ''quaque altera die''
| every other day
| every other day
| mistaken for "QD," spell out "every other day". [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "every other day")
| mistaken for "QD," spell out "every other day". [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "every other day")
|-
|-
| q.q.
| q.q.
| quaque
| ''quaque''
| every;<ref name="Bennett_1906">{{Citation |last=Bennett |first=Reginald Robert |year=1906 |title=Medical and Pharmaceutical Latin for Students of Pharmacy and Medicine |publisher=J. & A. Churchill |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xy7gAAAAMAAJ |postscript=.}}</ref> each
| every;<ref name="Bennett_1906">{{Citation |last=Bennett |first=Reginald Robert |year=1906 |title=Medical and Pharmaceutical Latin for Students of Pharmacy and Medicine |publisher=J. & A. Churchill |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xy7gAAAAMAAJ |postscript=.}}</ref> each
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| q.q.h.
| q.q.h.
| quater quaque hora
| ''quater quaque hora''
| every 4 hours
| every 4 hours
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| {{Anchor|quantum_sufficiat}} q.s.
| {{Anchor|quantum_sufficiat}} q.s.
| quantum sufficiat (subjunctive), quantum sufficit (indicative), quantum satis
| ''quantum sufficiat'' (subjunctive), ''quantum sufficit'' (indicative), ''quantum satis''
| as much as [[wikt:suffice#Verb|suffices]]; a sufficient quantity
| as much as [[wikt:suffice#Verb|suffices]]; a sufficient quantity
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 1,084: Line 1,084:
|-
|-
| q.v.
| q.v.
| quantum volueris [or] <br /> [[quod vide]]
| ''quantum volueris'' [or] <br /> ''[[quod vide]]''
| at will [or] <br /> which see
| at will [or] <br /> which see
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 1,094: Line 1,094:
|-
|-
| rep., rept.
| rep., rept.
| repetatur
| ''repetatur''
| repeats
| repeats
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 1,104: Line 1,104:
|-
|-
| Rx, R<sub>x</sub>, RX, <big>{{not a typo|℞}}</big>, Rp
| Rx, R<sub>x</sub>, RX, <big>{{not a typo|℞}}</big>, Rp
| [[wikt:recipe#Latin|recipe]]
| ''recipe''
| take (often effectively a noun meaning "prescription"—[[medical prescription]] or [[prescription drug]])
| take (often effectively a noun meaning "prescription"—[[medical prescription]] or [[prescription drug]])
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| rep.
| rep.
| repetatur
| ''repetatur''
| let it be repeated
| let it be repeated
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| s.
| s.
| signa
| ''signa''
| write (write on the label)
| write (write on the label)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| s.a.
| s.a.
| secundum artem
| ''secundum artem''
| according to the art (accepted practice or [[best practice]])
| according to the art (accepted practice or [[best practice]])
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 1,134: Line 1,134:
|-
|-
| s.i.d.
| s.i.d.
| semel in die
| ''semel in die''
| once a day
| once a day
| used exclusively in veterinary medicine
| used exclusively in veterinary medicine
|-
|-
| sig.
| sig.
| signa, signetur
| ''signa'', ''signetur''
| write (write on the label)
| write (write on the label)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| s̄
| s̄
| sine
| ''sine''
| without (usually written with a bar on top of the "s")
| without (usually written with a bar on top of the ''s'')
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| sing.
| sing.
| singulorum
| ''singulorum''
| of each
| of each
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| SL, s.l.
| SL, s.l.
| sub lingua
| ''sub lingua''
| sublingually, under the [[tongue]]
| sublingually, under the tongue
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
Line 1,164: Line 1,164:
|-
|-
| sol.
| sol.
| solutio
| ''solutio''
| [[Solution (chemistry)|solution]]
| [[Solution (chemistry)|solution]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| {{Anchor|si_opus_sit}} s.o.s., si op. sit
| {{Anchor|si_opus_sit}} s.o.s., si op. sit
| si opus sit
| ''si opus sit''
| if there is a need
| if there is a need
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| s.s., SS
| s.s., SS
| semisse
| ''semisse''
| one-half [or] <br /> sliding scale
| one-half [or] <br /> sliding scale
| mistaken for "55" or "1/2"
| mistaken for "55" or "1/2"
Line 1,194: Line 1,194:
|-
|-
| st.
| st.
| stet
| ''stet''
| let it stand (for example, for [[settling]])
| let it stand (for example, for settling)
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| stat {{anchor|stat}}
| stat {{anchor|stat}}
| statim
| ''statim''
| immediately
| immediately
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 1,209: Line 1,209:
|-
|-
| sum.
| sum.
| sumat [or] <br /> sumendum
| ''sumat'' [or] <br /> ''sumendum''
| let him take [or] <br /> let it be taken
| let him take [or] <br /> let it be taken
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| supp.
| supp.
| suppositorium
| ''suppositorium''
| [[suppository]]
| [[suppository]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 1,224: Line 1,224:
|-
|-
| syr.
| syr.
| syrupus
| ''syrupus''
| [[syrup]]
| [[syrup]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| tab.
| tab.
| tabella
| ''tabella''
| [[tablet (pharmacy)|tablet]]
| [[tablet (pharmacy)|tablet]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| tal., t.
| tal., t.
| talus
| ''talus''
| such
| such
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 1,240: Line 1,240:
| tbsp
| tbsp
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
| [[tablespoon]]
| tablespoon
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| t.d.s., TDS
| t.d.s., TDS
| ter die sumendum
| ''ter die sumendum''
| 3 times a day
| 3 times a day
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FFA64D"
| {{Anchor|ter in die}} t.i.d., t.d. <!-- {{Anchor|ter in die}} is to allow linking from another article. Please do not remove. -->
| {{Anchor|ter in die}} t.i.d., t.d. <!-- {{Anchor|ter in die}} is to allow linking from another article. Please do not remove. -->
| ter in die
| ''ter in die''
| 3 times a day
| 3 times a day
| [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "3 times a day")
| [[AMA style]] avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "3 times a day")
|-
|-
| tinct.
| tinct.
| tinctura
| ''tinctura''
| [[tincture]]
| [[tincture]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 1,274: Line 1,274:
|-
|-
| tr, tinc., tinct.
| tr, tinc., tinct.
| tinctura
| ''tinctura''
| [[tincture]]
| [[tincture]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| trit.
| trit.
| triturate
| ''triturate''
| [[mortar and pestle|grind]] to a [[powder (substance)|powder]]
| [[mortar and pestle|grind]] to a [[powder (substance)|powder]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| troch.
| troch.
| trochiscus
| ''trochiscus''
| [[throat lozenge|lozenge]]
| [[throat lozenge|lozenge]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 1,290: Line 1,290:
| tsp
| tsp
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
| [[teaspoon]]
| teaspoon
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|- scope="row" style="background: #FF6666"
|- scope="row" style="background: #FF6666"
Line 1,299: Line 1,299:
|-
|-
| u.d., ut. dict.
| u.d., ut. dict.
| ut dictum
| ''ut dictum''
| as directed
| as directed
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| ung.
| ung.
| unguentum
| ''unguentum''
| [[ointment]]
| [[ointment]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 1,310: Line 1,310:
| USP
| USP
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
| [[United States Pharmacopeia]]
| ''[[United States Pharmacopeia]]''
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| vag.
| vag.
| vagine
| ''vagine''
| vaginally
| vaginally
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
Line 1,374: Line 1,374:
|-
|-
| ℥
| ℥
| uncia
| ''uncia''
| [[ounce]]
| [[ounce]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| ʒ
| ʒ
| drachma
| ''drachma''
| [[dram (unit)|dram]] (drachm)
| [[dram (unit)|dram]] (''drachm'')
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
|-
| ℈
| ℈
| scrupulus
| ''scrupulus''
| [[scruple (unit)|scruple]]
| [[scruple (unit)|scruple]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;

Latest revision as of 20:28, 13 May 2024

This is a list of abbreviations used in medical prescriptions, including hospital orders (the patient-directed part of which is referred to as sig codes). This list does not include abbreviations for pharmaceuticals or drug name suffixes such as CD, CR, ER, XT (See Time release technology § List of abbreviations for those).

Capitalisation and the use of full stops are a matter of style. In the list, abbreviations in English are capitalized whereas those in Latin are not.

These abbreviations can be verified in reference works, both recent [1] and older.[2][3][4] Some of those works (such as Wyeth 1901[4]) are so comprehensive that their entire content cannot be reproduced here. This list includes all that are frequently encountered in today's health care in English-speaking regions.

Some of these are obsolete; others remain current.

There is a risk of serious consequences when abbreviations are misread or misinterpreted. In the United Kingdom, all prescriptions should be in English without abbreviation (apart from some units such as mg and mL; micrograms and nanograms should not be abbreviated).[5] In the United States, abbreviations which are deprecated by the Joint Commission are marked in red; those abbreviations which are deprecated by other organizations, such as the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) and the American Medical Association (AMA), are marked in orange.

The Joint Commission is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization which offers accreditation to hospitals and other health care organizations in the United States. While their recommendations are not binding on U.S. physicians, they are required of organizations who wish accreditation by the Joint Commission.

Table[edit]

Key
Not recommended for use in the United States by the Joint Commission[6]
Not recommended for use by other organizations, such as the ISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practices)[7])
Abbreviation or symbol Latin, Greek, or Neo-Latin English Possible confusion
aa, āā, ĀĀ ana of each  
AAA   apply to affected area abdominal aortic aneurysm
a.c. ante cibum before meals  
a.c.h.s., ac&hs ante cibum et hora somni before meals and at bedtime  
a.d. auris dextra right ear a single-storey a can be mistaken as an o which could read "o.d.", meaning right eye
ad., add. adde
addatur 		add
let there be added 		 
ad lib. ad libitum Latin, "at one's pleasure"; as much as one desires; freely compare pro re nata, "as needed", which by convention includes an aspect of "up to some maximum". Similarly, compare s.o.s., q.l., and q.s.
admov. admove
admoveatur 		apply [or] add
add; let there be added 		 
ad us. ad usum according to custom  
æq. æquales equal  
agit. agita agitate (stir or shake)  
alt. d., alt. dieb. alternis diebus every other day; on alternate days  
alt. h., alt. hor. alternis horis every other hour; at alternate hours  
a.m. ante meridiem morning, before noon  
amp. ampulla ampule (ampul, ampoule)  
amt   amount  
aq. aqua water  
aq. bull. aqua bulliens boiling water  
aq. com. aqua communis common water  
aq. dest. aqua destillata distilled water  
aq. ferv. aqua fervens hot water  
a.l., a.s. auris laeva, auris sinistra left ear a can be mistaken as an o which could read "o.s." or "o.l", meaning left eye
ATC   around the clock  
a.u. auris utraque both ears a can be mistaken as an o which could read "o.u.", meaning both eyes
BDS, b.d.s. bis die sumendum twice daily  
bib. bibe drink  
bis bis twice
b.i.d., b.d. bis in die twice daily AMA style avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "twice a day")
bis ind. bis indies twice a day  
bis in 7 d. bis in septem diebus twice a week  
BM   bowel movement commonly used in the United Kingdom when discussing blood sugar. From BM Stix – the measurement sticks used for calculating blood sugar; BM being an abbreviation of Boehringer Mannheim.[8]
BNF   British National Formulary  
bol. bolus as a large single dose (usually intravenously)  
BP, Ph.Br. Pharmacopoeia Britannica British Pharmacopoeia  
BS   blood sugar  
BSA   body surface area  
b.t. bedtime mistaken for "b.i.d", meaning twice daily
bucc. bucca buccal (inside cheek)  
cap., caps. capsula capsule  
cap. capiat let him take (let the patient take)  
c.m. cras mane tomorrow morning  
c.m.s. cras mane sumendus to be taken tomorrow morning  
c̄, c. cum with (usually written with a bar on top of the c)  
cib. cibus food  
c.c. cum cibo with food [or]
cubic centimetre 		mistaken for U, meaning units; also has an ambiguous meaning; use "mL" or "millilitres" (1 cm3 = 1 mL)
cf. confer compare  
c.n. cras nocte tomorrow night  
cochl. cochleare spoonful  
cochl. ampl. cochleare amplum an ample spoonful (a tablespoonful)  
cochl. infant. cochleare infantis a small spoonful (a teaspoonful)  
cochl. mag. cochleare magnum a large spoonful (a tablespoonful)  
cochl. mod. cochleare modicum a modest spoonful (a dessert-spoonful)  
cochl. parv. cochleare parvum a scant spoonful (a teaspoonful)  
colet. coletur let it be strained  
comp. compositus compound  
contin. continuetur let it be continued  
cpt. capiat let him take (let the patient take)  
cr., crm   cream  
CST   continue same treatment  
cuj. cujus of which  
c.v. cras vespere tomorrow evening  
cyath. cyathus a glassful  
cyath. vinos. cyathus vinosus a wine-glassful  
D, d. die [or]
dosis 		days [or]
doses 		ambiguous meaning, write out "days" or "doses"
D5LR   dextrose 5% in lactated Ringer's solution (intravenous sugar solution)  
D5NS   dextrose 5% in normal saline (0.9%) (intravenous sugar solution)  
D5W, D5W   dextrose 5% in water (intravenous sugar solution)  
D10W, D10W   dextrose 10% in water (intravenous sugar solution)  
da da give  
DAW   dispense as written (i.e., no generic substitution)  
DC, dc, D/C, disc   discontinue [or]
discharge 		ambiguous meaning
decoct. decoctum decoction  
det. detur let it be given  
dieb. alt. diebus alternis every other day; on alternate days  
dil.   dilute  
dim. dimidius one-half  
d. in p. æ. divide in partes æquales divide into equal parts  
disp.   dispersible [or]
dispense 		 
div. divide divide; let it be divided  
dL   deciliter  
DS   double strength  
d.t.d. dentur tales doses give of such doses  
DTO   deodorized tincture of opium can easily be confused with "diluted tincture of opium," which is 1/25th the strength of deodorized tincture of opium; deaths have resulted due to massive morphine overdose.[9] Compare laudanum and paregoric.
DW   distilled water [or]
dextrose in water (intravenous sugar solution) 		 
elix. elixir elixir  
e.m.p. ex modo prescripto as directed (in the manner prescribed)  
emuls. emulsum emulsion  
et et and  
EOD   every other day  
ex aq. ex aqua in water; with water  
exhib. exhibiatur let it be given  
f. fiat make; let it be made  
f.h. fiat haustus make a draught  
fl., fld. fluidus fluid (usually meaning specifically liquid in health care)  
f.m. fiat mistura make a mixture  
f. pil. fiat pilula make a pill  
f.s.a. fiat secundum artem make according to art  
ft. fiat make; let it be made  
g, gm   gram (modern SI symbol is g, not gm)  
garg. gargarisma gargle  
gr. granum grain  
gtt(s) gutta(e) drop(s)  
gutt. gutta(e) drop(s)  
H   hypodermic  
h, hr, hor. hora hour  
habt. habeat let him have  
hor. alt. hora alternis every other hour (every second hour; at alternate hours)  
hor. decub. hora decubitus at bedtime  
hor. intermed. horis intermediis at intermediate hours  
hor. tert. horis tertiis every third hour  
h.s. hora somni (at the hour of sleep) at bedtime [or]
half-strength 		ambiguous (2 meanings, easily conflated); spell out
IBW   ideal body weight (for dosing based on clearance estimation)  
ID   intradermal  
IJ, inj. injectio injection mistaken for "IV", meaning intravenously
i.m., IM   intramuscular  
IN   intranasal mistaken for "IM", meaning intramuscular, or "IV", meaning intravenously
ind. indies daily  
inf. infusum infusion (extraction) / intravenous infusion  
i unus tabuletta one tablet  
ii duo tabuletta two tablets  
iii tres tabuletta three tablets  
IO intraosseous
IP   intraperitoneal  
IT   intrathecal mistaken for other abbreviations; spell out
IU   international unit mistaken for "IV" or "10", spell out "international unit"
i.v., IV   intravenous  
i.v.p., IVP   intravenous push  
IVPB   intravenous piggyback  
kg   kilogram  
LAS   label as such  
lat. dol. lateri dolenti to the painful side  
lb. libra pound  
l.c.d. liquor carbonis detergens coal tar solution  
lin linimentum liniment  
liq. liquor solution  
lot. lotio lotion  
M., m. misce mix  
M., m., mit., mitt. mitte send or dispense, e.g. number of tablets provided Can be confused with m,. misce, context-dependent
mane mane in the morning  
max. maximum maximum  
mcg   microgram recommended replacement for "μg" which may be confused with "mg"
mdi   metered dose inhaler  
m.d.u. more dicto utendus to be used as directed  
mEq   milliequivalent  
mg   milligram  
mg/dL   milligrams per deciliter  
MgSO4   magnesium sulfate may be confused with "MSO4", spell out "magnesium sulfate"
midi   at midday  
min. minimum [or]
minim [or]
minutum 		minimum [or]
minim [or]
minute 		 
mist. mistura mixture  
mL   millilitre  
mod. præscript. modo præscripto in the manner directed  
MS   morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate can mean either morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate, spell out either
MSO4   morphine sulfate may be confused with "MgSO4", spell out "morphine sulfate"
nebul, neb. nebula a spray (such as for insufflation)- nebulizer  
NMT   not more than  
noct. nocte at night  
non rep. non repetatur no repeats (no refills)  
NPO, n.p.o. nil per os nothing by mouth AMA style avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "nothing by mouth")
NS   normal saline (0.9%)  
1/2NS   half-normal saline (0.45%)  
NTE   not to exceed  
o 2, o2   both eyes "O2" usually means oxygen or oxygen therapy
o.d. omni die every day (once daily) (preferred to "qd" in the UK[10])  
o.d. oculus dexter right eye o can be mistaken as an a which could read "a.d.", meaning right ear, confusion with "omni die"
o.m. omni mane every morning  
omn. bih. omni bihora every 2 hours  
omn. hor. omni hora every hour  
o.n. omni nocte every night  
OPD   once per day  
o.s. oculus sinister left eye o can be mistaken as an a which could read "a.s.", meaning left ear
o.u. oculus uterque both eyes o can be mistaken as an a which could read "a.u.", meaning both ears
oz   ounce  
p. perstetur continue  
part. æq. partes æquales equal parts  
per per by or through  
p.c. post cibum after meals  
p.c.h.s., pc&hs post cibum et hora somni after meals and at bedtime  
Ph.Br., BP Pharmacopoeia Britannica British Pharmacopoeia  
Ph.Eur. Pharmacopoeia Europaea European Pharmacopoeia  
Ph.Int. Pharmacopoeia Internationalis International Pharmacopoeia  
pig./pigm. pigmentum paint  
p.m. post meridiem evening or afternoon  
p.o. per os by mouth or orally AMA style avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "orally")
ppt. præparata prepared  
p.r., PR per rectum rectally  
p.r.n., PRN pro re nata as needed PRN is pertactin, a virulence factor of the bacterium that causes pertussis
pt. perstetur continue  
pulv. pulvis powder  
p.v., PV per vaginam vaginally  
q quaque every, per  
q.1 h, q.1° quaque 1 hora every 1 hour (can replace 1 with other numbers)  
q4PM at 4:00 pm (can replace 4 with other numbers) mistaken to mean every 4 hours
q.a.d. quaque alternis die every other day  
q.a.m. quaque die ante meridiem every morning (every day before noon)  
q.d./q.1.d. quaque die every day mistaken for "QOD" or "qds," spell out "every day" or "daily". AMA style avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "every day")
q.d.a.m. quaque die ante meridiem once daily in the morning  
q.d.p.m. quaque die post meridiem once daily in the evening  
q.d.s. quater die sumendus 4 times a day can be mistaken for "qd" (every day)
q.p.m. quaque die post meridiem every evening (every day after noon)  
q.h. quaque hora every hour  
q.h.s. quaque hora somni every night at bedtime can be mistaken as "q.h.r." (every hour)
q.i.d. quater in die 4 times a day can be mistaken for "qd" or "qod," write out "4 times a day". AMA style avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "4 times a day")
q.l. quantum libet as much as is requisite  
q.n. quaque nocte every night can be mistaken as "q.h." (every hour)
q.o.d. quaque altera die every other day mistaken for "QD," spell out "every other day". AMA style avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "every other day")
q.q. quaque every;[11] each  
q.q.h. quater quaque hora every 4 hours  
q.s. quantum sufficiat (subjunctive), quantum sufficit (indicative), quantum satis as much as suffices; a sufficient quantity  
q.s. a.d add up to
q.v. quantum volueris [or]
quod vide 		at will [or]
which see 		 
QWK   every week  
rep., rept. repetatur repeats  
RL, R/L   Ringer's lactate  
Rx, Rx, RX, ℞, Rp recipe take (often effectively a noun meaning "prescription"—medical prescription or prescription drug)  
rep. repetatur let it be repeated  
s. signa write (write on the label)  
s.a. secundum artem according to the art (accepted practice or best practice)  
SC   subcutaneous "SC" can be mistaken for "SL," meaning sublingual. See also SQ
sem. semen seed  
s.i.d. semel in die once a day used exclusively in veterinary medicine
sig. signa, signetur write (write on the label)  
s̄ sine without (usually written with a bar on top of the s)  
sing. singulorum of each  
SL, s.l. sub lingua sublingually, under the tongue  
SOB   shortness of breath  
sol. solutio solution  
s.o.s., si op. sit si opus sit if there is a need  
s.s., SS semisse one-half [or]
sliding scale 		mistaken for "55" or "1/2"
SSI   sliding scale insulin or sliding scale regular insulin mistaken to mean "strong solution of iodine" or "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor". See also SSRI
SQ   subcutaneously "SQ" can be mistaken for "5Q" meaning "5 every dose". See also SC
SSRI   selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [or]
sliding scale regular insulin 		ambiguous. Do not abbreviate
st. stet let it stand (for example, for settling)  
stat statim immediately  
SubQ., subcut   subcutaneously  
sum. sumat [or]
sumendum 		let him take [or]
let it be taken 		 
supp. suppositorium suppository  
susp. suspension suspension  
syr. syrupus syrup  
tab. tabella tablet  
tal., t. talus such  
tbsp   tablespoon  
t.d.s., TDS ter die sumendum 3 times a day  
t.i.d., t.d. ter in die 3 times a day AMA style avoids use of this abbreviation (spell out "3 times a day")
tinct. tinctura tincture  
t.i.w.   3 times a week mistaken for "twice a week"
top.   topical  
TPN   total parenteral nutrition  
tr, tinc., tinct. tinctura tincture  
trit. triturate grind to a powder  
troch. trochiscus lozenge  
tsp   teaspoon  
U   unit mistaken for a "4", "0" or "cc", spell out "unit"
u.d., ut. dict. ut dictum as directed  
ung. unguentum ointment  
USP   United States Pharmacopeia  
vag. vagine vaginally  
w   with  
w/a   while awake  
w/f   with food (with meals)  
w/o   without  
X, x   times  
YO, y.o.   years old  
μg   microgram mistaken for "mg", meaning milligram
@   at mistaken for "2"; spell out "at"
>   greater than mistaken for a "7"
<   less than mistaken for an "L"
℔ libra pound  
℥ uncia ounce  
ʒ drachma dram (drachm)  
℈ scrupulus scruple  
° hour  

Currently discouraged practices[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Johnston, Mike (2006). The pharmacy technician series: Fundamentals of pharmacy practice. Pearson Prentice Hall. p. 24. ISBN 9780131147515.
  2. ^ Davidson, Thomas, ed. (1907), Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language, W & R Chambers Ltd.
  3. ^ Kilner, Walter B., ed. (1886), A Compendium of Modern Pharmacy and Druggists' Formulary, HW Rokker.
  4. ^ a b John Wyeth & Brother (1901), An Epitome of Therapeutics: With Special Reference to the Laboratory Products of John Wyeth & Brother, John Wyeth & Brother.
  5. ^ "Prescription writing". NICE, BNF. Applies in England. (Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all share guidance originating in earlier UK-wide editions of BNF that pre-dated devolution of healthcare): National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
  6. ^ "The Official "Do Not Use" List of Abbreviations" (PDF). The Joint Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 March 2013. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  7. ^ "ISMP's List of Error Prone Abbreviations, Symbols, and Dose Designations" (PDF). Institute for Safe Medication Practices. Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  8. ^ "HELP BM Problems".
  9. ^ Kate Kelly, Pharmd (June 2003). "Recurring Confusion Between Opium Tincture and Paregoric". Pharmacy Times. Retrieved 2015-01-19.
  10. ^ BNF (British National Formulary) – published twice yearly by the British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
  11. ^ Bennett, Reginald Robert (1906), Medical and Pharmaceutical Latin for Students of Pharmacy and Medicine, J. & A. Churchill.

External links[edit]

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