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Abbreviations
Pharmacy abbreviations
Term | Definition |
---|---|
1/2 NS | half normal saline 0.45% |
aa | of each |
ac | before meals |
ad | right ear |
am | morning |
amp | ampule |
APAP | acetaminophen |
aq | water, aqueous |
as | left ear |
ASA | aspirin |
ATC | around the clock |
au | both ears |
bid | twice a day |
BM | bowel movement |
BP | blood pressure |
brady | slow |
BS | blood sugar |
BSA | body surface area |
c | with |
cap; caps | capsule; capsules |
cc (mL) | cubic centimeter (milliliter) |
CHF | congestive heart failure |
comp | compound |
d.t.d. | give of such dose |
D/C; disc | discontinue |
D5W | 5% Dextrose in water |
DAW | dispense as written |
dil | dilute |
disp | dispense |
DNR | do not resuscitate |
elix | elixir |
et | and |
fl | fluid |
g; gm; G; Gm | gram |
gr | grain |
gtt(s) | drop(s) |
h, hr, or ° | hour |
HA | headache |
HBP | high blood pressure |
HC | hydrocortisone |
hs | hour of sleep, bedtime |
hyper | above, excessive |
hypo | below, deficient |
ID | intradermal |
IM | intramuscular |
inj | injection |
IV | intravenous |
IVP; IV push | intravenous push |
IVPB | intravenous piggyback |
L; l | liter |
m² | square meter |
mcg; 𝜇g | microgram |
mEq; meq | milliequivalent |
mg | milligram |
min | minute |
ml; mL | milliliter |
mOsm | milliosmoles |
MS | morphine sulfate |
N.R. or non rep | no refill or do not repeat |
N/V or N&V | nausea & vomiting |
neo | new |
NKA | no known allergies |
NKDA | no known drug allergies |
noct | nocturnal |
NS | normal saline 0.9% |
NPO | nothing by mouth |
NTG | nitroglycerin |
od | right eye |
oint | ointment |
os | left eye |
ou | both eyes |
pc | after meals |
per | by or through |
pm | evening or afternoon |
po | orally/by mouth |
PRN | as needed or whenever necessary |
pulv | powder |
q | every |
q2h | every 2 hours |
q4-6h | every 4-6 hours |
q4h | every 4 hours |
q6h | every 6 hours |
qd | every day |
qh | every hour |
qid | four times a day |
qod | every other day |
qs | a sufficient quantity to make |
R | rectally/by rectum |
RL | Ringer's Lactate |
Rx | recipe; take |
s | without |
s.c; subc; subq; SQ | subcutaneous |
SOB | shortness of breath |
sig or signa (take) | write on label; directions for the patient |
SL; subl | sublingual |
sol | solution |
sos | if there is need |
ss | 1/2 |
stat | immediately |
supp | suppository |
susp | suspension |
syr | syrup |
tab; tabs | tablet; tablets |
tachy | fast/rapid |
tbs; tbsp; T | tablespoon |
tid | three times a day |
tiw | three times a week |
Top | topical |
TPN | total parenteral nutrition |
tinct; tr | tincture |
tsp; t | teaspoon |
ud or ut dict | as directed |
ung | ointment |
URI | upper respiratory infection |
UTI | urinary tract infection |
vs | vital signs |
w/ | with |
w/o | without |
wk | week |
WBC | white blood cell count |
x | times |
a | before |
p | after |
i (roman numeral) | 1 |
V (roman numeral) | 5 |
X (roman numeral) | 10 |
L (roman numeral) | 50 |
C (roman numeral) | 100 |
D (roman numeral) | 500 |
M (roman numeral) | 1,000 |
m; min | minim |
dr; ʒ | dram |
oz; ℥ | ounce |
pt; O | pint |
qt | quart |
XV (roman numeral) | 15 |
XX (roman numeral) | 20 |
XL (roman numeral) | 40 |
mm | millimeter |
Kg; kg | kilogram |
lb | pound |
M; m | meter |
U; u | unit |
sp | spirit |
S & S | swish & swallow |
vag | vaginal |
NG | nasogastric tube |
ad lib | as directed or desired |
d | daily |
OTC | over the counter |
K.O.; KVO | keep open; keep vein open |