Prescription Abbreviations
Abbreviations used in prescriptions:
- a.c. (ante cibum) - before meals
- ad lib. (ad libitum) - use as much as one desires; freely
- alt. h. (alternis horis) - every other hour
- c (cibos) - food
- D.A.W. - dispense as written
- dc, D/C, disc - discontinue
- e.m.p. (ex modo prescripto) - as directed
- ex aq - in water
- h.s. (hora somni) - at bedtime
- L.A.S. - label as such
- N.K.A. - no known allergies
- noct. (nocte) - at night
- NPO, n.p.o. (non per os) - nothing by mouth
- p.c. (post cibum) - after meals
- p.o. (per os) - by mouth or orally
- s.a. (secundum artum) - use your judgement
- sig - write on label
- s.o.s., si op. sit (si opus sit) - if there is a need
Napoleon Bonaparte described medicine as "a collection of uncertain prescriptions the results of which, taken collectively, are more fatal than useful to mankind."
