Common Abbreviations Used in Prescriptions and Medication Orders
| a | before |
|---|---|
| a.a. | of each |
| aa | of each |
| a.c. | before meals |
| ad | up to |
| a.d. | right ear |
| ad lib. | at pleasure |
| a.m. | morning |
| ante | before |
| aq. | aqueous (water) |
| a.s. | left ear |
| a.u. | each ear |
| b.i.d. | twice a day |
| c. | with |
| c | with |
| cap. | cubic centimeter (milliliter) |
| Cl | chloride |
| comp. | compound |
| D.A.W. | dispense as written |
| D.C. | discontinue |
| dc | discontinue |
| disc. | discontinue |
| dil. | dilute |
| disp. | dispense |
| div. | divide |
| d.t.d. | give of such doses |
| dx | diagnosis |
| D5NS | 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride |
| D5RL | 5% dextrose in Ringer's lactate |
| D5W | 5% dextrose in water |
| elix. | elixir |
| et | and |
| ex. | in water |
| aq. | in water |
| ft. | make |
| g | gram |
| gm | gram |
| Gm | gram |
| gal. | gallon |
| GI | gastrointestinal |
| gr. | grain |
| gtt. | drop |
| h. | hour |
| hr. | hour |
| h.s. | at bedtime |
| hx | history |
| H2O | water |
| IM | intramuscular |
| inj. | injection |
| IV | intravenous |
| IVP | intravenous push |
| IVPB | intravenous piggyback |
| K | potassium |
| KCl | potassium chloride |
| L | liter |
| l | liter |
| lb. | pound |
| LR | lactated Ringer's |
| mcg | microgram |
| μg | microgram |
| mEq | milliequivalent |
| Mg | magnesium |
| mg | milligram |
| mn. | minute |
| ml | milliliter |
| Na | sodium |
| NaCl | sodium chloride |
| N.F. | National Formulary |
| noct. | night |
| non req. | do not repeat |
| NPO | nothing by mouth |
| NR | no refill |
| NS | normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) |
| NTG | nitroglycerin |
| N/V | nausea and/or vomiting |
| o.d | right eye |
| o.l. | left eye |
| o.s. | left eye |
| oz. | ounce |
| p | after |
| p.c. | after meals |
| p.m. | afternoon; evening |
| p.o. | by mouth |
| pr | per rectum |
| p.r.n. | as needed |
| pt. | pint |
| pulv. | powder |
| q. | every |
| q.d. | every day |
| q.h. | every hour |
| q.h.s. | every bedtime |
| q.i.d. | four times a day |
| q.o.d. | every other day |
| q.s. | a sufficient quantity |
| q.s. ad | a sufficient quantity to make |
| qt. | quart |
| RL | Ringer's lactate |
| R/O | rule out |
| rt. | right |
| R | right |
| s. | without |
| without | |
| sec. | second |
| Sig. | write on label |
| SL. | sublingual |
| sl | sublingual |
| sol. | solution |
| ss. | one half |
| one half | |
| SSKI | saturated solution of potassium iodide |
| stat | immediately |
| s.c. | subcutaneously |
| s.q. | subcutaneously |
| supp. | suppository |
| susp. | suspension |
| syr. | syrup |
| tab. | tablet |
| tbsp. | tablespoonful |
| T | tablespoonful |
| t.i.d. | three times a day |
| TPN | total parenteral nutrition |
| tr. | tincture |
| tinct. | tincture |
| tsp. | teaspoonful |
| t. | teaspoonful |
| u.d. | as directed |
| ung. | ointment |
| U.S.P. | United States Pharmacopoeia |