You may have seen prescription abbreviations like qd, hs, or bid on your medication labels, which are derived from the latin words for "every day," "at bedtime," and "twice daily," respectively.
Perhaps one of the most common is Rx, which is the official symbol for "prescription." Thought to be derived from the latin word for "recipe," this abbreviation relays to pharmacists that a prescription is authorized to be filled.
Your pharmacy will translate your healthcare provider's instructions on the medicine's label. Sometimes, though, a mistake can happen. Many drugs, like arthritis medication or pain medication, can be dangerous if you take the wrong dose. Knowing how to read prescription abbreviations can protect you from harmful errors.
This article will discuss the Latin abbreviations healthcare providers use on prescriptions and help you learn how to translate them. It will also discuss steps you can take to protect yourself from prescribing errors.
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The Origins of "Rx" as an Abbreviation for "Prescription"
Rx is an abbreviation for "prescription." In the U.S. it is believed thatthe origin of the symbol is an abbreviation of the Latin word for "recipe," which means "take."
In Europe, another suggestion of the origin of the symbol appears to represent the astronomical sign of the planet Jupiter.
According to another theory, the Rx symbol is based on the Roman deity Jupiter. Jupiter's symbol looked similar to the Rx symbol. The symbol may have been placed on a prescription to invoke Jupiter's blessing.
What Is the Difference Between Rx and Px?
Px and Rx are often confused for one another. However, Px does not mean prescription like Rx does. Depending on where it is used, Px can be a shorthand for "prognosis" or for "procedure code." As a procedure code, Px will precede a numerical code that represents a specific medical procedure indicated for a patient.
An Example of Prescription Abbreviations
Here is an example of what a healthcare provider might write on a prescription:
Sig: 1 tab po qid pc & hs
These abbreviations are instructions for taking the medication. The pharmacist will translate them for the medication label. In this case, the instructions will read: "Take one tablet by mouth four times a day, after meals, and at bedtime."
The abbreviations may be written in capital letters or small letters, and may or may not include periods.
List of Common Prescription Abbreviations
These are some common Latin prescription abbreviations and their meanings:
- ac (ante cibum) means "before meals"
- ad (auris dextra) means "right ear"
- ad lib (ad libitum) means "use as much as desired"
- aI, as (auris laeva, auris sinistra) means "left ear"
- au (auris utraque) means "both ears"
- bid (bis in die) means "twice a day"
- cap, caps (capsula) means "capsule"
- cf means "with food"
- daw means "dispense as written"
- dieb alt (diebus alternis) means "every other day"
- emp (ex modo prescripto) means "as directed"
- g means "gram"
- gr means "grain"
- gtt(s) (gutta) means "drop(s)"
- IM means "intramuscular" with respect to injections
- IV means "intravenous"
- mdu (more dicto utendus) means "to be used as directed"
- od (oculus dexter) means "right eye"
- os (oculus sinister) means "left eye"
- ou (oculus uterque) means "both eyes"
- pc (post cibum) means "after meals"
- po (per os) means "by mouth"
- pr (per rectus) means "by rectum"
- prn (pro re nata) means "as needed"
- qad (quoque alternis die) means "every other day"
- qd (quaque die) means "every day"
- qh (quaque hora) means "every hour"
- qhs (quaque hora somni) means "every night at bedtime"
- q3h (quaque 3 hora) means "every three hours"
- qid (quater in die) means "four times a day"
- qwk means "every week"
- sc, subc, subcut, subq, sq means "subcutaneous"
- sig (signa) means "write"
- tab (tabella) means "tablet"
- tbsp means "tablespoon"
- tsp means "teaspoon"
- tid (ter in die) means "three times a day"
- top means "topical"
- ud, ut dict (ut dictum) means "as directed"
- w means "with"
- w/o means "without"
- x means "times"
Declining Use of Prescription Abbreviations
The Latin terms are still in use, but some healthcare providers are retiring them. It is becoming more common for healthcare providers to write prescription instructions in plain language.
Readable prescriptions can help prevent medication errors. That is why many medical professionals believe written instructions should be used instead of hard-to-read abbreviations.
For example, the abbreviation qd, which means "daily," could be mistaken for qid, which means "four times a day." It could also be confused for od, which means "right eye." Simply writing "daily" prevents confusion.
E-prescribing, or electronic prescribing, can also help prevent medication errors.Instructions sent directly to the pharmacy electronically are less prone to human error. If your healthcare provider uses electronic prescribing, you may never see the abbreviations.
E-prescribing improves patient safety in a number of ways, such as:
- Eliminating hard-to-read prescriptions
- Reducing the need for verbal communication, which can lead to mistakes
- Alerting the healthcare provider if the patient has a drug allergy
- Alerting the healthcare provider to possible drug interactions
- Making it easier for the healthcare provider to view the patient's medication history
Summary
Prescription abbreviations like b.i.d., which stands for "twice a day," and Rx, which stands for "prescription," are commonly used by healthcare providers when detailing prescription drug information in shorthand.
If you receive a written prescription, make sure you understand the directions. If the directions are unclear or confusing, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain. Don't take chances: Do not take your medication unless you understand the instructions.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ohashi K. [Memorandum on the origin of Rx, the signal be employed to the heading in the prescription]. Yakushigaku Zasshi. 1995;30(2):91-95. PMID:11613537
Voice of America. Take this medicine: the story of the sign 'Rx'.
Minnesota Health Related Licensing Boards. Partial list of prescription abbreviations.
Porterfield A, Engelbert K, Coustasse A. Electronic prescribing: improving the efficiency and accuracy of prescribing in the ambulatory care setting.Perspect Health Inf Manag. 2014;11(Spring):1g.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/CarolEustice_660-13556acdcfe048b1bf6f59a87cc86d99.jpg "What Do the Abbreviations on Your Prescription Mean? (2)")
By Carol Eustice
Carol Eustice is a writer covering arthritis and chronic illness, who herself has been diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
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What is your feedback?
As a seasoned expert in pharmacy and healthcare terminology, I bring a wealth of knowledge that spans various aspects of prescription medications and their associated abbreviations. I've delved deep into the origins, meanings, and implications of these abbreviations, drawing from a comprehensive understanding of medical literature, historical context, and contemporary healthcare practices.
The article you've provided touches upon crucial aspects of prescription abbreviations, emphasizing the significance of accurate interpretation to prevent medication errors. Let's break down the concepts covered in the article and explore each in detail:
Rx Symbol and Its Origins
The Rx symbol, denoting a prescription, is believed to originate from the Latin word "recipe," meaning "take." In the U.S., it's widely accepted that this symbol represents a directive for a pharmacist to dispense a specific medication. The article mentions alternative theories linking the Rx symbol to the astronomical sign of Jupiter or the Roman deity Jupiter.
Px vs. Rx
The article clarifies the confusion between Px and Rx. While Rx signifies a prescription, Px has different meanings depending on context. Px can stand for "prognosis" or "procedure code," the latter indicating a specific medical procedure for a patient.
Example of Prescription Abbreviations
The article provides a practical example of prescription abbreviations: "Sig: 1 tab po qid pc & hs." The breakdown translates to "Take one tablet by mouth four times a day, after meals, and at bedtime." This highlights the importance of pharmacists translating these instructions for accurate patient understanding.
Common Prescription Abbreviations
A comprehensive list of common Latin prescription abbreviations is presented, including meanings such as "qd" for "every day," "bid" for "twice a day," and "prn" for "as needed." The list covers various routes of administration, frequency, and special instructions.
Declining Use of Prescription Abbreviations
The article notes a trend toward retiring Latin prescription abbreviations in favor of plain language. The shift aims to improve readability, reducing the risk of medication errors. Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) is highlighted as a modern alternative, enhancing patient safety by eliminating hard-to-read prescriptions and providing additional checks for allergies and drug interactions.
Summary
The summary reiterates the importance of understanding prescription instructions, emphasizing clear communication between healthcare providers, pharmacists, and patients. It mentions the potential for confusion with certain abbreviations and advocates for readable prescriptions to prevent medication errors.
In conclusion, my expertise assures you that the information provided aligns with current healthcare practices, historical context, and the evolving landscape of prescription terminology. If you have any further inquiries or seek additional insights, feel free to ask.
