Prescriptions are written using a mixture of abbreviations, Latin words and English. This can be confusing. Here’s a simple guide to understanding the jargon.
| Abbreviation: |
Short for the Latin words: |
In English this means: |
| ac |
ante cibos |
before meals |
| bd |
bis in die sumendum |
twice daily |
| caps |
capsulae |
capsules |
| m |
mane |
morning |
| n |
nocte |
evening |
| mg |
milligrammum |
milligram |
| ml |
millilitra |
millilitre |
| nocte |
nocte |
at bedtime |
| pc |
post cibos |
after meals |
| prn |
pro re nata |
as required |
| qds |
quater in die sumendum |
four times daily |
| stat |
statim |
at once |
| tds |
ter in die sumendum |
three times daily |
